I came one place
And left behind another
One that was warm
To one that’s cold
But the funny thing
Is that here in
The cold and snow
I feel more warm
Than I ever did
When I was warmer
It’s what is inside
That counts not out
For smiles often are
Icy without the hugs
And well wishes cold
Without the caring felt
So for all those
Bandying about words of
Good cheer without meaning
Keep them for bells
Without sounds of ringing
Are just like anchors
Weighing everything else down
Oh how the nights
Are long a time
For lovers and dogs
This time dawn time
Is my absolute favorite
When both lovers and
Dogs stir one getting
Coffee and the other
Love sometimes I think
That one would prefer
To be the other
It is cold here
Here there and everywhere
It seems a time
Of reflection of gathering
Of friends and things
Of moving inward and
Away from the outside
Winter has a way
Of reminding me that
The warmest place of
All is my heart
Come friends sit near
And let our hearts
Warm each and everyone
The storm came through
Like a drunken step-dad
Chilling everyone it spied
Cowering and huddled away
From windows and doors
Waiting for the torrent
To pass staying calm
And now as storms
Often do it’s sunny
The lid of clouds
Removed and what little
Heat that remained escapes
Like the aroma of
My grandmother’s chicken soup
Taken off the boil
I dreamt last night
Of dying me specifically
It alarmed me to
The point of waking
I myself am not
Yet dying but a
Part of me is
And that I’m certain
Whichever part it is
Is no longer needed
Soon to be abandoned
Like a kerchief after
A cold like a
Tear once upon laughter
And perhaps an overcoat
Once my spring arrives
