Coals lie along each other in the fire
like we do at night,
glowing in each other’s heat

In counterpoint, the stratus clouds
now showing faint above the fog
lie along each other in rolling cold,
pink-tinged, here and there,
but no warmer for it

My fingers sting in morning outdoor chores  –
they can’t get warm, lying along each other,
and must return to where the fire
is cooking breakfast,
and warming up the room.

©Wendy Mulhern
January 5, 2021