Cold blooded, I’ve been bold

Taking into account my need for heat

I crawl, searching till I’m old for

Somewhere to sleep, something to eat.

Empty breast, shallow breath.

I never knew how much the shivers could hurt!

I crawl till I’ve nothing left

Out of this winter where I was birthed.

Dim light fading to night

Somewhere out there I am lost

Crawling, hoping for a glowing sight

Over the next hill, after the frozen marsh.

How harsh my tracks have turned

Trudging deep and slow knowing I ought

To hold my breath — my body burned

Until finally, the chill stopped.