Freezing Cold

A double layer coat with a weather-proof shell

a hat and gloves

Sneakers and jeans

Are what's needed for a freezing cold walk

Along the frost-stained and wind bitten pavement

Littered with salt and sand from this and other storms

Snow adrift here and there along the way

Just across the bridge an inch of flurries from the night before haven't been shoveled or plowed

Squeaking under foot from the much-too-cold air

Crunching a fresh path; the bottom half doesn't get cold

The top half wind-whipped and thankfully zipped up to the chin

Exposing just the nose and beneath the glasses

The cold, the freezing cold causing fluid leaks

Threatening the safety of the whole situation

Obstacles in the storm

Cheeks and nose running away

Bravery and health and strength and triumph at stake

A simple walk in the freezing cold