Winter

Winter is an aging red-haired neighbor
who tosses rock salt out an upstairs window
across her porch roof,
a clucking pioneer woman feeding her chickens
or silently broadcasting wheat in her husband’s field,
an apron filled with snow.

After a few furtive handfuls
she slams the window shut,
returns her bag to the thunderbox,
and sits in her rocker with a doomsday book
as she waits.

Bio: Gary Jones is a freelance writer and teacher who lives in Northern Door with his wife of many years. He enjoys books, gardening, and silent sports.