It

I knew I wanted it when I didn't have it

and when it snuck up behind me

I was startled, a little frightened 

and didn't quite recognize it.

For a long time I looked away from it

denied myself of it 

looked in the mirror and said 

I don't need it anymore.

But then I thought how other people

have it and why should I be different?

My breath can be seen on a cold

winter day just like anyone else's.

My pulse is strong and I'm alive.

I'm awake and free to revel in it...

so in that moment, when it pulled me 

hard and fast, like storm winds do

off the shore, I let it, I let it sweep me up 

with its strong arms, into that first night.