Dian Duchin Reed

A Midwinter Night’s Dream

As the days shrink and the nights freeze, I set to work on a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle that defines cozy: a blazing fireplace, an open book and tea and pastries, a dozing cat and curled-up dog, the beginnings of sunset between bare trees outside the French doors. In one corner where there’s not much to see but shadow, I settle in. It’s warm in here, and outside the stars have started to sparkle. One pastry left on the plate, the teapot still hot and half-full. Enough wood to last for days.

winter twilight
the serene glide
of pelicans

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About the Author

Dian Duchin Reed is an award-winning writer whose poems, articles, essays, and photographs have appeared in many publications. Her books include Medusa Discovers Styling Gel (poetry) and Dao De Jing: Laozi’s Timeless Wisdom (translated from the Chinese). Learn more at dianduchinreed.com.

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