Ode

It is not enough to merely know the air is cold this time of year,

One must feel its whispers as it rushes by.

Nor enough to simply trust earth’s crust be sleeping,

Lest you miss the frost beneath your feet.

How can a soul be living if he linger by the window,

Watching for spring’s waking sigh?

Now is the moment, take it, bear it up, embrace the fear-

Venture on a path, and live complete.

There is no shame in slowing pace to take it in,

Nor pride in speeding up to find relief.

So go, my friend, and conquer wind and snow-

With open arms, and running feet, and heart.