THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING AN INDOORS

John Grey

In twilight, rose petals fight against the sinking sun.

Overnight, camelias work hard to stave off frost.

No question about it, the outdoors is a struggle.

In the afternoon, on the veranda, I blanketed myself in light,

considered the effect that everything has on everything else.

Then I went back inside, where the effecting’s mostly done by people.

Much of myself is entrusted to you.

Something’s cooking. The hugs bring order.

I am no longer that rose or that camelia.

Come the wind, the trees look vulnerable. I pity them.

And rain has at the nests in their branches.

When the snow arrives, living has no place to turn.

But there you’ll be still with your summer tan.

And a smile to convince me nothing could possibly go wrong.

I’ll light the fire but, really, the fire’s been lit already.