These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Preparing for the Partially-Known

Though some may say, "It's really rather warm.
Why make us worried over what may not even happen?"
Long time ago, folks prepped us all for harm,
"Better to have it than in the need be taken."

Sufficient food can keep us 'live for days.
Sufficient water keeps each life for weeks.
Good pocket insulation, its warm ways
can keep us whole as "chilly fingers" seek.

How did they live before electric heat?
Can people live in arctic lasting cold?
Their wisdom is with body warmth to beat
the danger of the freezing temps so bold.

To stay alive in beds on frigid nights
some feet above the ground, they made a space.
The cold descends to cause us many plights.
The heat above can warm us with great grace.

'Tis kind to seek protection for our loves
in life on Earth, in lasting Day Beyond.
For peace we paint the picture of a dove.
For Hope believe we in Christ's Merits' Bond.

by Jay O’Toole
on January 23rd, 2026