how to know it’s february.

On the sidewalk, birdseed.

Still in process, the same scarf.  

On the rooftops, steam shadows.

Down the gullet, elderberry syrup.

Across the river, a steely blue skyline.

On socks, pills.

In the blender, milky experiments.

On your mind, California.

In mailboxes, tax forms.

On cheeks, something rose-colored. 

On the stove, lentils.

Under a hat, smushed bangs.

In ears, podcasts.

Under the pillow, lavender oil.

On your doorstep, heart-shaped gifts.

In the linen closet, straightened piles.

At the end of a braid, a ribbon.

Tucked in a book, a new family photo strip. Four faces, four frames.

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And in case you missed it, January.