There is a bit of a sting in this early morning air.
Even though the branches are not yet fully bare
there is a hint of winter in the way the wind
sends its clear touch against the face,

Just enough of a chill to pull your shoulders up
as you walk a few blocks
and think maybe a coat would have been better
than just a light jacket.

But it is sunny today and if you can make your way
out of the wind for a few minutes
and keep your face tilted toward heaven for a while
the day will seem warmer.

And the next step out into the cut of the breeze
will seem a little less like something that could
take your knees out from under you
and more like just a passing change in the weather.

And besides, a rising sun beyond a white-crusted field
bordered by black trees stretching against a morning sky
has a way of bringing day from night
in a manner that seems to say that as long as there is light

There will always be hope
of a Greater Warmth.

H. Arnett
12/1/16