Old Tire, New Growth

We never know if the turn
is into the home stretch.
We call it that—a stretch
of place and time—
with vision of straining,
racing.  We acknowledge
each turn with cheers
though we don’t know
how many laps remain.
But we can hope the course
leads on far and clear
while the horses have strength
and balance on their lean legs,
fine-tuned muscles, desire
for the length of the run.
Some may find the year smooth,
others stumble at obstacles
along the way.  We never know
if the finish line will be reached
after faltering, slowing,
or in mid-stride, leaping forward.


Turning of the Year, by Judy Ray


I generally find the time change very disruptive and unnecessary, given we now have electric lighting and all. Apparently there are plenty of studies showing its bad for our health, including increased heart attacks and strokes right after the change. Not to mention all the increased irritability. Not a fan!

There was just enough snow overnight to reveal some animal tracks in the morning, mostly deer and squirrel, but also at least one coyote following the trail of a snowshoe hare. 

As for the tire, it's lying in some bushes along the back edge of the nearby gravel pit, along with a few others. It provided an opportunity to use my new handy-dandy selfie stick to capture it from a different perspective. Not as attractive as this morning's sunrise, but it's round, and I do like circles.