precautions

at the barn, snow blankets the mare
gusts to twenty-nine
wise horses face downwind

at the back door, blankets come hot from the dryer
goosebumps Braille an alarm
wise people curl by the fire
 
at the sink, the faucet drips furiously
good pipes help, a bit
wise children let the dog in

 

in the hallway, the heater wafts warmish air
a sweater is not enough
wise women put out spare candles
 
in the bed, the cat’s stolen the blanket
snow likely tonight
wise creatures wait it out