Outside

There is rain falling from above

There is a river below, roaring to the tune of gravity

There is food to cook

There are books to read

There is music pulling me back in time

There is a fire that won’t start

No matter how much we try

No matter how many sparks fly

Even with bone dry kindling

This is fire won’t start

Inside

There is a bottomless ache,

a gully of darkness

Set to the backdrop of snow covered peaks

That are higher than I could climb

But a hug

In the form of laughter

Straight from the bellies of my best friends

Is all the warmth I need today