Mauve and shadow’s hesitant descent. 

The evening silhouette’s coat-cloaked 

locals and students who roam through 

the streetlight glow. White palls creep through 

chattering teeth to form 

a breath that veils the streets. 

Passing cars and lurching gusts 

disperse these exhalations. 

Wanderers grasping, clutching, hurrying 

for warmth. Longing to get inside. Out 

of the cold, into rooms heated 

by radiators that emit a welcoming hiss. 

Longing to slip into pyjamas. To gulp 

a stream of scolding tea that eases 

our muscles, revives our minds 

and melts the tyrant ice.