after four straight days in bed
the smell of stale sweat and *****
got to me, i took a step outside to let
the sun burn some feeling into my skin.
i'd forgotten what sunlight feels like
and i finally felt unconditionally happy.
the death of this summer will bring me
brisk winds and goosepimples
cold temperatures that cut to the bone
and a lack of daylight that makes me feel
unconditionally happy.
but i'll look to all the shades of dead leaves
for beauty, to the warmth of storefront windows
i'll look for the hands that brush against mine
and hold them tightly through the winter.