Upon waking, I remove the covers, the air is crisp.

The bathroom floor is freezing.

I place a call, inform the landlord, ‘still no heat’.

I dress quickly and go to Pablo’s Diner.

The bagel, eggs, and grits are tasty.

Back in the car, I cry and say, out loud,

‘I miss you, Bette.’

Later in the day, I see my doctor and he is not happy.

‘Cheer up’, I say.

Before going home, I go to our park.

‘What a gray sky, Love’

The cold and cloudy skies, keep the park deserted.

A mile into our walk, I feel a bit short of breath.

I sit on a bench and take comfort in the cold.

A hawk gets my attention and I appreciate the fly-by.

The hawk circles and lands on a high branch.

I look up and wave.

Most of the branches are bare.

I see a few lower ones with faded leaves

and scoff.

I whisper, ‘let go, I’m sure you’re lonely.’

Feeling rested, I walk over to the branch

and, with thumb and forefinger, gently, rub the leaf.

As I’m walking back to the trailhead, a bit of sun breaks through.

‘Yes, sweetheart, I remember…don’t give up and try to catch the Sun.’

*