April

April

In early spring I have been trying
To go barefoot
But turning back to the comfort of
Shoes once the warm pavement
Meets the cool, moist grass.

Last night, driving east over
Florida mountain, we slow
By the crest where the snow lasts
Until July. Cars with
Hazard lights flashing
Orange in the dusk
Line the highway.

A man in green sweatpants stands
In the front lawn of his trailer.
The matted fur of the Golden
Retriever lying in the road does
Not stir in the wind.

I cross my bare feet in the passenger
Seat of the heated car and turn away
As the man shrugs and steps
Over snow through the door.

-Carrie Vaughan