of treasures and gems

  

          Riches          

Charles Wm. Preble

The first snow came
yesterday—eight inches—
and today it is clear and cold.

Across the drive, a pileated woodpecker
tests an aged elm for digs;
and chickadees and nuthatches

dine on bits of safflower
and sunflower seeds
as a downy swings on the suet,
savoring his supper;

and the setting sun
ignites the barren branches
with glisters of rubies, while I 
sit inside beside the fire.

Tell me I am not rich.

.......