TRACKS

Trailing some earlier skier through the pines,

I stop where he stopped, at a sudden stone:

SUSANNAH HOLMAN

wife of

JOSEPH BROWN

1785-1812

(Joseph Brown is carved as square and deep,

As if to say he has to bear more weight

Of years, pain, guilt to judgment); and then a footnote,

So low he's scraped away the snow to read:

also an infant daughter

in italics, nameless.

We pause together, leaning on our poles.

Rest, Susannah Holman, from your hard delivery.

Rest, infant daughter. And wherever your grave may be,

Rest, Joseph Brown. The tracks lead smoothly on.