it started with
a flake or two
then a swirl of
white
against the cracked black
road
not much after
my vision was
blank
tanned legs and cheeks
instantly drained
of california color
once again in the throws
of winter
i though i had made a grand
escape
having believed the layers
could finally be stored
away
tucked far back
on a shelf
out of sights set on springtime air
bundled again in boots
and shirts
several hoods to cinch out
the bitter bluster
i could not hunch my back
tighten my shoulders
enough
to keep it all out
dampened
chilled
despising
every step further from the warmth
of bed
further from the shores for which
i long