Sounds of Silence

A deep sigh of contentment

as the old hound dog settles

deeper into her dreams, close

to the cooling wood stove.

The flakes of the last spring

snowstorm as they pile,

heavy and wet, at midnight.

The stillness at dawn as they

wait for the plow.

The blessed nothingness that

snaps into place the moment

the power goes out, the ancient

refrigerator finally at rest.

One golden koi,

circling, circling

in clear water

between

     smooth

          grey

               stones.