Inhaling the neighborhood

Instead of cradling my backside in a seat warmer,

I donned cable knit wool gloves, my favorite down vest

And something to cover my ears,

And made myself walk the quarter mile to the grocery store.

I traipsed up the hill, dragon breath vapor in stride.

Mist clung to my naked face like cold wet socks.

Small birds jumping among inky branches silhouetted the grey sky.

A v-shaped gaggle of geese honked encouragement above.

The two-stroke engine of a neighbor’s leaf blower polluted from Bella Street.

The train’s whistle announced arrivals to Main St. across the river.