a feathered, jewelled bed

The reason I love

All the colours of the world in my home

Is because for so much of winter

I never leave my bed

Unless tempted outside

By adventure

Or duty

Or love

 

Outside is fear

Outside is loss

The full weight of loneliness

Holding my hand

As we walk

Barren

Through the frost

 

From the bare winds of January

Until the first dew drop of March yields

I remain

In my cocoon

Surrounded by the gaudy yellow of Eastern golds

Chintz and glitz

Glitter and light

Fleeces and furs

Until, outside

The sun shines her warmth once again