One Snowshoe

step is an exercises in
motion
pressing one foot
then another
into a healthy stretch

muscles tuned --
exertion under the sun

crispness in the air
trail of powdery snow

feathered creatures
skip atop fir trees
copying our progress.

The walker often
in thought -- problems
and success
wrestling for a little space

---soon
time to retreat into
life’s business
of too many bills and
kids’ needs
but loveliest among
them all -- a
darling wife closer
than close

waiting for her man
with prayers protecting
journey’s return.

© Richard L. Provencher