A nip to the bud
A frosty chill spreading out
Deep breath of billowing white
An icy punch to the gut

A young boy's chuckle
A little girl's bowling hug
Virtual conversations teasing back and forth
Chipping away slowly at the deep-set chill
A friend's reassurance
Determination and persistence
Turning icy glaciers into
Wavering reflections of myself

Sunlight battles with the clouds
Winds buffeting with Jack Frost's breaths
Slivers of light reach for his toes
But yet Jack Frost still lingers
Undeterred by a little suntan