Night Stroll

Shadows of bare branches
and a few remaining leaves
dapple the sidewalk.
Mid-November and still
warm, air damp, good
night for a walk along
neighborhood streets.
Good night not to think
about Ukraine or pandemics
for just an hour and breathe
in the mellow moistness
of autumn.

The wind picks up
a little and tosses
cold droplets into
my face. I zip my jacket,
turn the collar up, lower
my head, and turn
for home.