a winter morning driving to work

A black ruined folly, a ragged tooth on the skyline

contrasting the heavy white canvas clouds

reversing normality a negative         

shadowy winter bare trees 

scowling heavy set eyebrows watching

brooding crescents against the hills

stonewalls black edges to snow clad fields

plough lines like creases in a faded linen sheet

two tone puzzle pieces on a life size picture box

grassy tufts stems upright like frozen hedgehogs

the slanting sun picking out highlights

houses nestled on south facing slopes

clinging to the sun's weak warmth

school children in over sized uniforms

clothes hanger thin breathing clouds of steamy life

obedient waiting at a pedestrian crossing

chimneys of distant industry

forcing cotton wool plumes skyward

in the still stiff air

funeral directors in their charcoal suits

crisp white shirts and straight black ties

sweeping snow from their pavement front

making life more safe for their visitors

an amusing sign an appropriate pun

"Steamy windows? We will clear your window panes!"

the journey ends and the day at work begins.