Winter

The cold bitter wind
Nips at my nose and my ears.
I tighten my winter hat
Snug around my head
And walk on.

My legs stride on
Over the sidewalk
Into the street.
A biting chill enters my lungs.
I must walk on.

I marvel at my speed
And surprise myself at the
quickened pace;
Wanting to lighten the load
of thick gloves and
Puffy winter coat.
To feel warm again
To breathe steady and rhythmic.

I throw open the door.
Once I step inside
The heat engulfs me
And I sigh in relief
Unzipping and shedding
Layer upon layer
Forgetting that I’ll have to
Step out into the world
Once again
After the cold has become
A distant memory.