Prose Poem · Autumn
Instructions for the First Cold Morning
Wake before the heat comes on and let the house be honestly cold for one minute.
Go to the window. The grass is silvered and the breath of the world is visible at last.
Do not reach for the season you wanted. This is the season you were given; greet it.
Put on the heavy sweater that smells of last year and forgive yourself for last year.
Make the coffee. Hold the cup. Begin the day on the side of the living.
Original poem © QuillOak — free for personal use.
“Instructions for the First Cold Morning” by The QuillOak Editors — quilloak.com/poems/instructions-for-the-first-cold-morning-prose-poem
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