Stepped onto the porch,
bracing for the chill—
and was embraced by warmth.
An instant of delicious paralysis.
A breath that lingered,
air cradled in the lungs,
caressing gossamer alveoli.

Is this what it feels like—
to move from the creeping cold
of stagnating blood,
the rising of the blue,
into the golden light?

On my way out,
I brushed the feathery red valerian
with my fingertips—
to tether myself to the earth
just enough.