What Lingers

Stubborn, unyielding to the beating sun,

refusing to lose shape and seep

into cracks between stone

grey concrete

You don’t have to realize these small changes 

around you. What was once a pristine

pearl layer thins into

muddled slush

You don’t have to notice where the melted

snow trickles. Running off into the 

water you bring to 

your mouth

You don’t have to know it contains

the smoke that taints the air

Or dust that collects on

small roofs

But you ought to look down at these

rebellious patches, glinting in white 

light, and let the wintrous days 

linger for now.