Snow

The snow faded, lingering
Only
In the cracks on this sidewalk . . .
And on either bank
Of the snow white lines meandering –
Stains: the ghosts of ancient
Leaves and chewing gum.

The snow faded,
Swept away
By sharp, polished shoes
Of serpentine leather;
Swept by shoes that have weathered
A life, cracked with toil,
Stained with soil.

Walking along the white lines,
Wondering, I think
That your shoes walk in warmer climes.