each morning
now
as I add a layer
and lightly
turn up the heat
my slippers
a blanket
and your purring warmth
warm me from the
outside
while
my coffee warms
me from the inside
as I wait
for the sun to shine
but I am bracing
for the chill
this season brings
anniversaries
now spent alone
the holiday season
largely solo
still not in
anyone’s bubble
even though the worst
of the pandemic
is past
there are only
so many sweaters
to layer
over the chill
and coffee to
warm from within
none can touch
my lonely heart
which is the source
of the chill
and after autumn
comes winter
with even harder
anniversaries
back-to-back
I will set
my sights on
springtime
to pull me through
autumn and winter
the seeds of hope
are planted
soaking in
the nutrients of the earth
lying dormant
in the loam
ready to burst forth
with new life
when the axis
turns again
days begin to lengthen
and the sun
exudes warmth
and light
till then
I will seek ways
to find warmth
from without
and within
those gentle moments
of warmth
unplanned
unexpected
that delight
and hearten
those moments of
joy
that warm the soul
until the sun
returns
