Dressed For It

Dressed For It

Before I go out, on the gear goes,

layers and layers and layers of clothes,

trying to keep warm from my toes to my nose.

First come the long johns, thermal and clean,

(an important layer, although it’s unseen).

Thick wool socks are pulled up to my knees.

So much to wear to make sure I don’t freeze.

Warm heavy jeans and a homemade sweater,

a bulky knit scarf and boots made of leather,

a coat filled with down, light as a feather,

hat and gloves on last--look out winter weather!

                                

January comes, and it hits ten below.

I get sick of shoveling that cold, wet snow.

“Moving south is looking better,” I say,

but spring brings forgiveness…

and amnesia,

and …sigh…here I stay.