Low

The day is gray

and mud has had its way

with my boots, my gloves,

my clothes

The work continues

but I have bowed out of it,

cowed by cold dampness

and no given tasks for me

I have retreated to the cabin,

I’ve lit a fire

though it is not a time

for meals, or gearing up

or winding down

I will let myself be low

just for a spell,

just for long enough

to change my mind.

©Wendy Mulhern

March 5, 2019