The longest winter

Dinner is on the table
by 5 pm.
It is in his nature
to abide time. He wears his heavy coat and
she waits by the fire to warm his robe.
This evening the stars are black
with cold. He kisses her
hands rest
near his heart.
She was 12 when he traded his
best traps.
With 6 girls, they
would have taken less.
On the stove the stew boils,
a tub of hot water for soaking.
The barn has already been cleaned and locked.
The sheep and horse wait for light
to erupt.
She pulls the blade from behind
the knitting and touches it. The moose head
smiles. They wait
for the hunter to retire.