Cold High Way

Hi is such a simple word
yet much too high for some;
an educated wee-size word
but many just play dumb.

It is given free of charge
in mall or parking lot;
you toss a little friendly ball
but it will not be caught.

And then if you repeat it
and silence still is there,
you feel a shiver and a sting
because of frigid air.

So you wonder, “What’s the use?”
“Perhaps I’ll build a fence.”
A barricade in front of snub
will keep me from offense.

Then you know it’s just not you
to act with jagged will;
there’ll always be a primitive
providing daily chill.

Hi induces tongues to fold--
I’d better not say hey;
an extra letter in the cold
could take my breath away.


[Rhythm: (7-6-8-6)]