january

it's cold

the mornings freeze our words to our lips as we pore

over homework, plastic boxes of brightly dyed sugar cereal

waiting for february. it's gray

we haven't gone out for recess in forever, summer sun

like a dream you can't quite remember, we're just

waiting for february. it's icy

purple and blue jackets slipping over the sidewalks, warnings

from our phones buzzing too late in our pockets, everyone

waiting for february. it's cold

and all we can do is wait for february.