December Again

Written 12/1/14 for an assignment

And already mid-morning is late

afternoon. When the day grows

late as soon as it starts.

 

The autumn leaves are disappearing,

Leaving behind brown handprints

on the sidewalk where they get

trampled by incessant foot falls.

 

Every day the sky

Looks darker, more sad.

The energy of the world seems

to be draining with each passing day.

 

The wind blows colder.

Its claws biting at my face,

Stinging my skin whenever I dare

To walk with exposure.

 

I seek the comforting

Touch of heat, walking through

Every building along my journey

Avoiding the unfeeling bitterness of winter

 

Every layer I put on

Protects me more from the chill

But the air always finds a way through

And I find myself inescapably cold

 

The sun gives me no shelter

I feel nothing of its gaze.

The intensity of its heat gone,

Leaving behind only light.

 

I wake up to rays of yellow

Happy to guide my path

But halfway through the day they’re gone,

Replaced by the looming chill of night.

 

December has come again

The timing of day has changed

I long for the gentle warmth of fall

To return energy to this place.