Easter Baskets

It is always cold with misty breaths
and biting wind.
We bundle up
in blankets,
coats,
robes,
anything.

The dog,
eager to help,
restrained by a leash,
watches
curiously.

The youngest finds my basket first
in a bag
hidden in a tree.
He walks away
but his time spent
with empty hands
hints
at something
being found.

The oldest next finds the youngest's.
He walks away quickly
but the owner
has already seen
and claimed
his basket as first found.

The oldest watches as I find mine.
Curiously.
Then hopefully.
Then disappointedly
as I claim what is mine
and walk away
hands full.

Soon, the last game
begins.
Cold,
cold,
warmer,
warmer,
cold,
and hot,
as the aunt guides
the oldest
to the final basket.

Finally, the game
is done
and we walk back inside
for warmth
and candy
and family.

Easter has begun.