AUGUST CHILL
It is August, but
A hint of winter is
In the air. Much too
Early; it gives you
Something to think
About. We have
Learned to take it
As it comes
Across the street
There is a field of grass
Along with a circular
Pond of water about
Ten feet across. In
The middle of the pond
Stands a man with his
Arms outstretched much
Like you would expect
Of a scarecrow
He had a full beard
And medium length
Curly hair. He is wearing
A black cassock which
Just covers his knees
There are birds flying
Around but not making
Much noise. Further back
In the field is an old church
It looks abandoned, but
There is smoke coming out
Of the chimney. There are
No cars, trucks, or buses
I think about it and conclude
To my satisfaction that
The man lives in the church
And does what he can to
Keep people from intruding
He is his own minister
And sings songs from the
Requiem and stays until
He feels redemption
His songs are soul cleansing
I feel exhilarated. Everything
Is coming together for me
Let it snow; let it snow; let it snow
Stanski
August 27, 2025, ^
Steve Haarman 