your feet
rooted to the hard, frozen ground
attaching you to the earth

you and the earth
solidity
a sturdy feeling
as if there's nothing left to know or learn
everything that matters
everything important and urgent
it s
     l
       i
         p
           s
     away
the dry winter air absorbs it
and all that's left is you
tingling fingers
red ears
itchy mittens
short breaths
runny nose
watery eyes
bare trees
and
migrating birds