Winter Nights

Winter  nights,

it's cold outside,

the dogs sleep by my feet.

Long, dark nights,

lonely and quiet,

I am not ready for these.

Soup for one,

and a handful of crackers,

when I'd much rather  be

making a pot of chili to share.

My bed, cold, empty and

often too big.

I long to find comfort there,

warm arms to hold me.