Winter Stream

clear and cold
it tumbles down
o're rocks and ice
through snowy banks

no sluggish flow
or muddy floor
no stagnant pool
or summer stink

a welcome sight
for bird and beast
when frozen ponds
deny them drink

Time to Live

the news arrived
a sudden jolt
a toxic cloud
of dread and fear

a fog of pain
his life on hold
a fervent wish
was made in vain

but then the push
to gather facts
to have a plan
to foster hope

and once begun
a sense of calm
the path now set
the journey clear

and past regrets
began to fade
as future goals
held less appeal

for now these days
held more import
his present was
his time to live