Deep Freeze

walking across the street to the corner grocer

to buy cold cuts for the family and a pack of Chesterfields

wind whipping across my face

bitter cold

bundled up in full winter clothing

still feeling the draft seep in through the flannel

once inside the store,

removing the gloves to pay for the purchase

hands red, numb without feeling

ten below zero, twenty below zero

what does it matter?

back outside, not a soul on the street

even the pigeons cannot be found

once back home,

huddling up to the radiator

trying like crazy to feel warmth

reading a magazine called New Vistas

all about new homes and opportunities in Florida

they even have palm trees in gas stations.