The morning is cold
My steps reverberate on the frozen ground
My breath billows as I gasp
As I run my body starts to warm
I keep going even though my body tells me to stop
But eventually it's too much
I slow down, spent after running so fast
The snow starts falling harder than before
My mind wanders as I glance at the trees
My throat is raw and I can barely breathe
As I come to a stop, my body gets colder
I stand still even though my body tells me to move
But eventually I start again
The trees are bare in the dead of winter
My steps are softer and not as frantic
My breathing finally at a calmer rate
As I look around I notice the sky
I look up even though I should be paying attention to where I'm going
But I'm amazed by what I see
The sky is broken by thin twigs
My eyes can't look at any single one
My steps falter and I come to a stop again
As I close my mouth from hanging open
I think about everything I've seen in my life
But I can't stop myself
I sit cross-legged on the frozen ground
I gaze at the star covered sky in awe
The endless black sky seems to have ends
The branches break the beauty into pieces
They sway and change with each new season
I find myself sitting in a patch of flowers
I realize I'm not cold any more
I glance around and take in the forest
My safe place
My sanctuary
It isn't cold and alone like I was
It's beautiful and blooming
I stand up and shake my head
And start running again