It felt cold again today
as I scraped a little ice on the car
for the daily journey

my fingers ached a touch as winter spoke,
but no brine soaked my skin to crack,
no frozen gun barrel bullied my neck,
forced my unready body
to a too small boat,
crammed where fears of all ages merged,
and hope drowned

It felt cold again today

If the wind does not breach the walls of your home;
and if the rain does not collect upon your floor;
and if your children do not cry for food or toys;
and if fear for life does not burn upon your mind;
and if begging for hope is not your only refuge;
then you are blessed