Hugging Any Flame Poem by David Harris

The clouds of winter mar the sky
preventing the sun from shining through.
A wild north wind chills the air
and into your bones as well.
You sit and listen to the howling wind
and wish you were at home
around a large fire
and in your lover’s arms.

Instead, you are on your own
hugging any flame to keep you warm.
All the time wishing you
were far away at home.
You are where you are
for a duty you have to perform.
You may wish you could cancel it,
but too many people depend on you.

Tomorrow is another day;
you know the cold
is not going to let up anyhow.
You will struggle through
and do what you have to do.
Then maybe afterwards
when your duty is done,
you can pack up and go home.

22 March 2008