Staying Cozy

January is month for which I have mixed feelings.
Hopes are high, the slate in some ways fresh.
But it's often cold here in the foothills of the Rockies
& our house doesn't stay warm easily.
Rare sunny days, though short, are welcomed with a thankful heart.
On an afternoon spent trying to keep my fingers warm enough to work,
I dream of a lofty mountain cabin, with blazing fire, spacious hearth,
overflowing bookshelves & huge comfy chairs.
Outside, a flash of sheer red - a bird - through trees so deeply green
one gets lost just looking at them.
Snowshoes crunch, yet quietly, back up the path to the porch
& in through a lovely heavy wooden door.
Wool piles form on the floor as scarves & hats & mittens
are flung off, exchanged for the handles of thick homemade mugs
overflowing with coffee & chocolate & cream.
Music & laughter replace snowshoe's crunch.
Here & now & back to everyday, I find myself; cold fingers stiff
& hard to guide.
Maybe I'll begin a wish list:
Item # 1 - fingerless gloves (with altering potential?)