cold clamminess attacks in waves 
pulling my thoughts away 

pain shoots from behind a 
barricade of thickness between my brow 
creativity taken captive 

words sent out attempt to regroup 
falling into confused heaps upon the paper battlefield 

what weapon exists against this monster? 
chemical warfare has only muddled the issues 
placed ammunition in the hands of the enemy 

my only ally whistles in the distance 
soothing warmth outflanks the cold sweat 
seeps behind seized territory to reclaim 

when nature battles nature 
who wins? 
we can only hope for a lengthy reprieve 
time to harvest before the cold sets in once more 

~ 5/18/2000 ~