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
Lessons from the Road 