it’s so cold
beyond a red nose
or rosy cheeks

it’s so cold
that the bones feel frozen
brittle
breakable
it’s so cold
breathing is unbearable

it’s so cold
that the limbs stuck in one place
shivering
shaking
slowly stiffening

it’s so cold
that the brain is numb
sluggish
succumbing to lethargy

it’s so cold
that warmth is a distant memory

it’s so cold
if only closing eyes
would let one wake
into a different state
of feel
of mind

it’s so cold
if only for a blanket
of comfort
to let one feel
to ease one’s mind

it’s so cold