The day is gray
and mud has had its way
with my boots, my gloves,
my clothes

The work continues
but I have bowed out of it,
cowed by cold dampness
and no given tasks for me

I have retreated to the cabin,
I’ve lit a fire
though it is not a time
for meals, or gearing up
or winding down

I will let myself be low
just for a spell,
just for long enough
to change my mind.

©Wendy Mulhern
March 5, 2019