braver than I

through cedar hedge the setting sun sprays

yellow beams that scatter upon snow

dry, cold and bitter this day

while birds peck and dig for substance

wearing only their skin and feathers

that causes me to ponder

how they withstand this temperature

while the flesh of this mere mortal

freezes leaving skin blue

not the blue of water or a summer sky

but a transparent blue with veins

pulsating in disagreement

of my foolishness being outside

filling the feeder to provide

nourishment for those

who can't provide for themselves

yet complaints there are none

from this soul as I hear

only the soft thank yous of

gratitude emitting from the hedge

sung by chilled creatures

braver

than

I