this winter feels colder than the last
i am sick
and weak
and tired
the cold is hurting my lungs
and no amount of smoke
or shared breath
will warm them
i am so cold at night
and there are no stars in the sky
to make me feel at peace

was last winter this cold?
i don't remember the last time i was
sick for weeks
inhaling steam from boiling showers and downing
whiskey and tea
by the mugful
and missing that passed rainy summer