First Snow Following the Election

By Shawn Aveningo

There’s a hush—a stillness—

that muffles the groundswell,

as flurries flutter and whiteness

blankets our sleep. We weep

for truth, its heartbreaking loss

akin to a missing dog from our youth.

Our boots etch fractals in fresh powder

and we search our neighbor’s eyes

for a sign—hoping we are still

on the same side.

Shawn Aveningo is a globally published, award-winning poet who can’t stand the taste of coconut, eats pistachios daily and loves shoes … especially red ones! Shawn’s work has appeared in over 100 literary journals and anthologies. She’s a Pushcart nominee, co-founder of The Poetry Box, managing editor for The Poeming Pigeon and journal designer for VoiceCatcher: a journal of women’s voices and visions. Shawn is a proud mother of three and shares the creative life with her husband in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon. Visit her website.

Reading recommendation: This Connection of Everyone with Lungs by Juliana Spahr.