A Beautiful October

Tonight
I had my own
underground renegade
below
the high tops of green Pitch Pine.

I couldn't tell which was exploding more;
the heavy, fat white flakes of snow
or
the three fingered points of needles
stretched out
as if they wanted
to accept the challenge
of supporting the weight
of an early fall
storm.

I had my own
underground renegade
as the storm within myself
began to churn
and pick up speed.

I can't tell
which is exploding more;
the worries of a sacred friend
or
my outstretched arms
ready to accept the challenge
of suporting
his dying weight.

-Gib