Swinging legs from out the warmness of two quilts and heavy blankets
I dip my toes into today testing the coldness of January
the wind has slammed rain against the walls nonstop for two days and nights wailing like a thousand banshees and whistling a ghostly opera
nothing fleshy moves about outside, all cowers in their dens and houses
while the weather claims the land her own and nobody argues.

Pleasing primordial instincts: to blame
Odious constructed mores, or simply
Raptures dwelling within?
Numbing sensations cry out to
Omnipresent nicotine screens;
Gargoyles perch on the ridges
Retching earthly filth and heavenly blessings
Across my fragile conscience.
Paradox in the words I speak,
Harboring images I dare not peek; perpetually ashamed by
Yearnings to please the body and punish the mind.