Life's Ledger

We can say, easily, and with perfect correctness
yes, the cold is uncomfortable, even intolerable
it bites and picks and squeezes
and noses run and throats scratch
and sweat pours from layers once inside

yes, COVID is exhausting and continues to be scary

and somehow we are in some ways anesthetized to that fear

because it is so common place, so everyday

and political derision and governmental inability

and isolation and household chores that seem to compound

because the only place safe now is the home

all this is true

but what is also true

a friend's child takes his first steps

and given all the constriction and worry

this landmark is not only good, its joyful, rapturous

and the silence when the snow gently falls and piles

the cold when its not so cold, that clarity, that beauty

the satisfaction of a perfectly constructed warm sandwich

the inspiration and assurance of a great film

masked laughter in a dark theater

the courage of a child fearless in receiving shots(or at least the bravado of such)

support of friends, love of family, the camaraderie of simply sharing time

the scales always balance, if you make a ledger, the scales always balance.