winter is trying
each darkened morning
eyes a gaping
windshield scraping
attention-seeking reminders
forcing
frost-bitten memories
of what is to come
long lonely
nights
to a bone-chilling sun

winter is trying
even ever-exasperating
once-cherished seasonal
song renditions
accident-inducing road
conditions
lungs seize and shudder
under icy breath
mercury temperatures
close
to certain death
                                               j.g.l.