The dove on the bare, bald branch
…………..An overcast sky makes them look black
Camera’s exposure too high, too bleak to survive ultra-white
…………..rays
Fly away fat dove, don’t let the cold
catch you
Winter is a filter
…………..To rid the world of weaklings
Besides those who warm their souls smoothly
…………..With hot whiskey and jazz
Just don’t let the drinks catch you

The dove on the bald, bare branch
Some of us just have to freeze
…………..Our picture comes out too dark, it’s too bright out
Winter white; snow blindness; thimble fingers
…………..Beer and ponche keep us heated
Some of us just have to lose

– Abigail Romero

Author’s Note: “The dove on the bare, bald branch” is one of those poems that really needs a chance to be paired with experience. Without it, the reader may feel flatly about it—and they may! That was my intention—But a reader like me that grew up poor and hates winter weather could see and feel even more from it.