The Other Cold

God’s power drifting

quietly across early morning

fields of pristine snow

scant surviving leaves

peeking through

looking for one last chance

to shine.

snow days

winter gifts

for young friends

hills their new home

the warm sun

the perfect

layer to coats

and scarves and mittens.

birds visit old friends

feeders full, water plenty

their home safe branches

that protect their songs.

disruption stings the pastoral

interrupts the sweet soul

with

the other cold.

the real cold.

the cold that transcends

thermometer and adds

the singular life

of the man,

the woman

the child

without home.

no steaming cups

of cider or hot chocolate.

judgment loses to stark reality.

neighbors in need.

jackie/shields