trying to stay warm

Darkness persists

My body clenched and rigid,

a hard line shaped

from intention

Rings of salt stain my

pant hem and shoe

Moving briskly,

with purpose

Our heads bent together, noses touching,

to guard against the wind

It’s cold

So unbelievably cold

Thermometer reads minus 10

His face contorts

in shock as the cold air hits

I hurry toward the car

as his eyelashes freeze together

in clumps