Footprints in the Snow

Did you ever look at footprints

in the snow? Really look,

looking deep in the hollows they create

to where a foot came to rest

and left itself, an impression

pressed into the snow:

the soft pad of canines, felines,

wild and unseen, or domestic,

or the sharp point of a deer’s hooves

stepping lightly, piercing, an arrow shot,

or barely breaking the crust of snow,

the delicate scratching of birds or mice,

rodents rooting, hurried and afraid,

seeking shelter, a safe harbor;

did you ever look at footprints

in the snow, the impression

that they leave, even your own?