Cold

Below zero
doesn't happen in Vermont every day.
December dips lower than the horizon
and we shiver to the center of this darkness.

It is cold
with the moon bright
on the icy pack of the last snow.
We walk, crunching loudly
toes stiff and stumbling
toward the fire.

Look up at the sky
and see the Dipper
and the Belt of Orion.

Feeling the sting on my face
is an awakening to all that is beautiful
if I can open my eyes.