a paradoxical warmth

By Caroline Schwartzbeck

the snowflakes drifting
soothe my aches
with their soft presence
and chillness pristine
their much-needed quiet
washing over me like a ripple
to a mere grain of sand
if only for a fleeting day
i trip on air and fall into 
a paradoxical warmth
that stings of youthful excitement
not so long gone 
of surprise freedom
sledding downhill like a whirlwind
and crackling fire on brick
hot chocolate with whipped cream
eventually exchanged for
muted cameras
and dull bliss
stolen glances away from the screen of the laptop
and to the screen of the window
where i can almost touch
yearn to embrace
the drifting snowflakes