Howl Of Aliveness
by Marie Bortolotto 2024

in the morning
I open the door
go out, threadbare
into a raging wind

how to be alive?
no phone, no screens
no things that steal
the heart's affections

at the big park
a crow's caw
black squirrels whirl
in widening circles

above, a gull cries
all the roses silent
beneath the weight
of winter's sleep

no wild animals, only
solemn remembrance
listening, the green, green
howl of aliveness

Marie Bortolotto Art