Winter

Hello old friend
I can't say I missed you
but there is some comfort
in your familiarity,
the necessity of slowing
preparing, layering
when venturing out
into your cold embrace
brings intention
to the present,
in the temperate months
the season may be pleasant
but can be ignored, forgotten
in its soothing restraint,
but your presence is always felt
your chilly lick
your frosty grip
your unrelenting freeze
accompany a fragile camaraderie
for you are here
and I appreciate the amity.