The Long Cold

The beauty of nature can be appreciated at the strangest times.

The wind is gentle
but cold.
Hidden needles jab
exposed skin.
Strange…
Numb flesh
still feels pain.

The night is long
but beautiful.
There’s something about
winter nights.
The air...
is so crisp,
so very clean

The air is quiet
but fluid.
Icy cold absorbs
all noise.
Odd…
Even animals
dare not disturb the silence.

The stars are brilliant
but distant.
I feel so very small.
Then I realize
that I am.
Strange…
I’m not worried.

I want to move forward,
but can’t.
The cold is unforgiving.
Heavy eyes
drift…
And slip closed
for one last sleep.