Warmth From The Cold

 

‘Tis normally the water fresh,

     That cleanses the soul within,

But air that’s crisp can do the thresh,

     Freeing mind from stalks of din.

The cold sinks deep and makes it hard,

     For nimbleness of fingers,

Mittens fall short without regard,

     The painful numbing lingers.

On-ward I hike throughout the woods,

     Hiding tracks on bottomlands,

Stealth my trek under snow that would,

     Cover deeds with icy bands.

A tarp that’s strung, blocks wind and blame,

     Maple limb is cut to length,

Grass, twigs, and sticks ignite the flame,

     Easing pain with veneered strength.

‘Twas by my choice for such exploit,

     Where I find myself to hide,

Frozen fingers that do not point,

     River’s edge my only guide.

My sidekick dog is wrapped up twice,

     Once by snow and once by quilt,

Griddled food cooks and smells entice,

     Heaped coals without trace of guilt.

Unheralded taste, sense delight,

     Cockles of the heart are warmed,

Fingers don’t store such heat to spite,

     They don’t at all, so be warned!

I pack with breaks, hands plunged in fire,

     Attempts ward off frozen flesh,

Pup’s patience often belies her,

     Plunged headlong, our prints are fresh.

We traverse North against the wind,

     Powdered snow, thick sheets of ice,

Adventure we’ll never rescind,

     Until next, mem-ries suffice.

Destination and hastened glee,

     Our journey comes to an end,

Prayers battled cold on bended knee,

     Such outings my heart depends!

See you along The Way…

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The Painful Numbing Lingers

A Tarp That's Strung Blocks Wind And Blame

My Sidekick Dog Wrapped Up Twice

River's Edge My Only Guide

Griddled Food Cooks And Smells Entice

Unheralded Taste, Senses Delight

Cockles Of The Heart Are Warmed

Pup's Patience Often Belies Her

I Pack With Breaks, Hands Plunged In Fire

Destination And Hastened Glee,
Our Journey Comes To An End,
Prayers Battled Cold On Bended Knee,
Such Outings My Heart Depends.