The storm in my mind is (finally) starting to settle

Out in the world, a wind storm is brewing

Leaves fly and garbage blows into my backyard

And someone else’s beer cans

I never drank beer

I preferred a sexy bottle of dark red

But now my dog keeps me warm instead

My constant sweet companion

On these cold and quiet days

We lean on each other

For peace and comfort;

We share the couch

And the bed

And the blankets

And watch the wind work to blow the last of the leaves out of the trees

Listen to its incessant howling

Admire the lights glimmering off of our pink Christmas tree

While we pass the time

Until the children return

To light up our night.