Winter Rebirth

alone in the library late at night
snug in my jacket, legs curled under me
a heavy book
(pathologic basis of disease)
half-balanced against the chair's armrest
there is the low background hum
of computers, printers, fluorescent lights
and outside snow falling under a street light

stepping into the parking lot
everything is coated anew
with fine powder

the white layer covering the ground
unblemished
like the smooth skin of a
newborn

there is no ice, no treachery
the fresh snow is crunchy underfoot
like styrofoam packing peanuts

and i think
what better reminder that every moment
i start anew, afresh

i'm starting over, tonight
is the first moment
of my new life
there is no trace of the old
scars and worn ruts of bad habits
i couldn't break

soon this new snow will be marred too
with footprints (already I see dog pawprints by the back door)
soot from car exhaust
and mud from the sludge of soaked soil underneath

but for now i am reborn
silent, in awe
like a puppy taking its first breath