Crisp wind blows right through me, marching goosebumps up my
arms and down my spine. Shivering, I wrap my arms around myself
in a parody of an embrace, trying to draw some warmth from within.
 
The light dances on the snowflakes falling so carefully from the sky.
As if afraid of the inevitable collision, they sink ever so slowly to
rest at my feet.
 
It seems I have been standing here forever. I can't remember why
I am here, or when I got here. Has it been hours or days? The icicles
in my mind have frozen over the knowledge I am seeking.
 
Ghostly laughter flutters past, tempting me to follow the sounds and
share in the jokes and laughter -- taunting me with thoughts of what
could be, if only you were with me.
 
The hope I cherished in my heart has frozen deep inside, locking joy
and laughter in its cold embrace. Memories of dreams I once had have
become as barren as the world around me.
 
I look in once again, gazing at the warm fire and listening to the echoes
of words bouncing off the glass. Futilely I strain to understand, knowing
the words would warm my aching soul.
 
A heavy sigh escapes as I return to the penetrating cold under the light.
Freezing from the inside out, despair, loneliness and bitter misery are
my constant companions.
 
If I keep knocking, will you let me in?