WARMER

You were raised in New England

and that means 

summers on the beach

toes in the sand

learning to swim in the 

Icy Atlantic.

Where you are told 

“you’ll get used to it”

“don’t be a pussy”

“be brave, girl”…

Blue fingers.

Blue lips.

You never got used to it.

And now you’re in your 50’s.

And it still spits you out.

Blue fingers.

Blue lips.

And never once did they let on

that there are places…

Warmer.

Anyone can go. 

Any Body can go. 

There are places.

That don’t.

That won’t.

Spit you out.

Freeze you out.

There are places that wrap 

around you like a blanket.

Always warm.

As if they actually 

want you
to stay.