It barrels down on us

this blast of polar air

one day it's sunny

the next we know

it's ice and bitter cold

someone left the door open and

the Vortex barged in with a sledge hammer

now the wind howls around corners

plants curl up and die

the trees creak and moan for mercy

and puffy doves sit in silence

signalling distress

all things hunker down and shiver

we withdraw into ourselves

Claustrophobia sets in

the world narrows and shuts down

we close the blinds

turn up the heat

we want the warmth returned

light has deserted us

like an admonished child

there is not much we can say

we admit we left the door open

the sun ran away

the cold came in

and now we beg forgiveness.