Wintry Walk

Hunching in my shoulders trying to close my ears I feel my navel tighten as I suck in all my fears Concentrate on breathing warmth into my inner fold Touch of headache starting as I’m fending off the cold It starts at fingers endings and travels up my arms The headache pays the price for using simple charms I soon release the tension and enjoy the ransomed heat Walking slower now and concentrating on the moment I catch a house cat watching from a window in the sun And see her feel my hello touch as I continue on A startle of acknowledgement at another’s gifted sight How long will she remember as I walk away from night? Smiling at the errant thoughts that occupy my brain I pull my hat brim lower and hope to beat the rain