A cold crisp night
A breath of fresh winter air,
Salted steps and sidewalks
Assure footing is guaranteed.
Black ice and snow lined trim
Outline each parking space.
I watch my step as I
Walk towards the dumpster.
A lone snowman stands
Ever so proudly in the shadows
Keeping vigil over the complex
As parking lot lights supervise
Overhead.
A light breeze accompanies
Distant engines along the backdrop.
If it weren’t for the low temps
I wouldn’t mind the exposure,
But for tonight, it’s all good.
Just cold enough for a break
From the inside heat and
A little room to stretch.
Immeasurable peacefulness,
The moon and a few select stars
Are my comforts for tonight,
Aside from mon amour de la poésie,
Of course!
And as I reluctantly leave
The outside world with a few
Quick stomps, I rid my soles
Of hichhiking rock salt
Between the treads and
Leave them in the company
Of my doormat.
My heat quickly hugs me
Like a mother to her child
Without a coat,
Refusing to let go.
I leave my shoes at
The edge of the carpet
Hang up my coat and
Retrieve my cell from my pocket.
I drop the temp down,
But not too far as for
The comfortability of us both.
My day has been fulfilled
As it’s now time to rest,
For tomorrow is a new day.
For leftovers, second chances,
And new experiences.
Good night all!
LP45 ©2/4/21