Walk inside the warm

Last night you woke to the sound of northern winds in southern pines,

the furnace chugging dollar bills and barfing BTU’s in the hall,

while a dog howled two doors down to be let back inside.

You had been dreaming you were chosen to shoot a basketball – something

about winning money for a homeless charity, but

you were afraid you’d miss so you just stood there grinning.

The crowd screamed encouragement, while TV producers pulled out their hair.

At dawn, because it was much too cold outside for Southern blood,

you took the hat your father wore when he walked his dog from its hook.

You usually try to stay in the shade on your walk, but

today it felt better in the sun. After you put your cellphone away,

a camera shy heron landed in the shallows.

You chuckled about the State Fair they hold in October to avoid the heat and

the shivering that will go on tonight, while folks wait in line for elephant ears

and corn dogs. You dump cold coffee on the ground and walk inside the warm.

10-19-22