They weren’t going

to unplug the pump

in the pond in

their beautiful

backyard

until the middle of

November,

but the day dawned

well below freezing,

so they will

close up the waterfall

for the winter,

clean the filter,

catch the birch leaves

in the net, plug in

the bubbler

bid the silent, still,

staring

goldfish adieu

until spring

shines through.

Anticipating,

he rubbed his

arthritic knuckle

and shivered a

little, too.