now, even air is still 
hillside trees, frozen lake silent
like estranged lovers

no more colorful light 
in the neighbor's window
after the holidays

sparrows on the power line
tease the lone magpie on the grass
waiting for spring

New Year's Eve
the couple blast their last fight
new resolution--no fight?

sale after Christmas
bustling crowd in the store
everyone loves low price

©Byung A. Fallgren