a winter offering

in an instant, my heartbeat slows.
the warmth of the Sun kisses my cheek.
cool air fills my lungs with cleansing life.
senses heighten.

my muscles release, ever so slightly,
the tension always present —
they have been holding tight
to pain, stress, ambition.

in this brief moment, there is serenity.
being
outside with bare branches,
green grass speckled with patches of melting snow —
here, I am at peace.