Been out in the cold and rain for long. Been smiling through clenched teeth each time the wind blew mud into the eyes. Squeezed a little harder at a heart struggling to beat. Swallowed grainy air to scrape the knots in the throat away. Fought back with feigned strength, tears swamped in a lost pool inside. Lit candles to keep a dying hope burning. Refused to hear the strained notes in the breathing. Squinted at obvious signs of a burning cynicism.

Yes, it can keep going.
But isn’t it known that a ray of light fights its way through the thickest of nights?

Dawn just doesn’t seem close enough. Need to pull the thin wool closer each time the warmth slips away.