The Settled, Lone Draft of Winter

Winter winds breeze briskly against panes, thin yet definite amidst night unoccluded

Sounds of shelter reverberate, abounding about stillness occupied by loneness — palpable and soft

House provided for the self, self-satisfied yet yearning for light external:

A flame to tend and grow with, warmth to feel and to dwell within

A home not of retreat, but of expansion — not of internalizing singularity, but of outward communion and illuminant sharing

Silence not comfortable by default, but comfortable by choice and experience

Trust earned and not borne of alienation and allegiance to self

To be chosen, for presence to matter and to confirmedly exist

For security from wind to veil sacredness — a gift, not a provision

To live not to live but to be brought to life

To produce life

To love.