i am torn   loathe to leave this warm bed

while longing for this day to begin

eager to watch the sun rise   feel its first warmth

meager though it may be

on this second day of the year

here   the sheets are clean   the pillow soft

the company just as i would wish

snug beneath blankets and quilt

knowing the tile floor will be cold

the air not yet warmed by the silent furnace

torn   but not for long   the sun is not yet up

though who can truly say

what's above and beyond this heavy gray sky

i arise and begin

oh   look   a dust of snow fell over night   glory be

but cold   oh my word   if there is heat to be found

i cannot imagine where it might be

oh   wait   i tap the thermostat   voila

keep going   water for tea   that being a good place to begin

remove dishes from drying rack to cupboard

and et cetera   what will this sunless sunday hold

more snow   a walk   

taking down the christmas lights and cards   

the society of internet   another day of isolation

avoiding the news to the extent possible

what to make of this beginning   this blank slate

another day in a line of days 

it is hard to imagine this day will be different

from yesterday and tomorrow

but imagine i do   think good thoughts   quell the doubt

~

there is no doubt   only habit