Winter soaks to the marrow
along graffiti-stained alleys
and soulless office towers.
   We know, we feel frost
as it creeps and creaks into
joints of the middle-aged,
the chronic or careless.
   Cold will come tonight; or
tomorrow; now it is what it is,
and you within our climate.
   No mystery. Why or how
is there or now. Perception.
Reality. Reaction. Temperature
drops like market stocks.
   We know. We feel.

01/25/2022                                    j.g.l.