(excerpts)
IN THE ARCTIC
Polar bears ride on floes of ice,
stalking seals,
wishing fish,
as the six-month sun begins to rise
slowly in the arctic skies.
On the same day in March…
***
in PARIS, FRANCE
The sun slips out, still winter pale.
But all over the city,
at bus stops and markets,
on small streets and grand boulevards,
people hurrying to work or school,
people, huddled in their coats and scarves,
sitting at outdoor cafes and sipping chocolat –
all of them turn up their faces
to enjoy the sun’s shy smile
On the same day in March…***
in NEW YORK CITY
It’s too gray to play outside today.
The parents sigh, the little kids complain.
But the basketball players stay in the schoolyard,
arguing what’s worse –
snow or sleet or freezing rain.
On the same day in March…***
in THE TEXAS PANHANDLE
They said it was just a tiny twister –
not big enough to spin a horse
or hoist a cow.
But it did suck up a bucket of water
and give Grandma’s dirty old truck
the first wash it’s had in weeks.
On the same day in March…