IT’S COLD UP THERE IN SASKATCHEWAN

IT’S COLD UP THERE IN SASKATCHEWAN

It’s cold up there in Saskatchewan
husband passed last year
kids gone south to seek their fortune
she remains in the old house
seven rooms
stove is in the kitchen
sitting-room, bathroom
off to the side
other five boarded up.
She has one, two, three
four, five chairs in those rooms,
each with a sweater or a coat
draped over the back. 
That way, when she takes her coffee
to drink somewhere besides the table
she always has a garment near
to keep her warm.
She doesn’t need to hoist her old bones
limp to the front door rack
to fetch a wrapper. 

Days creep by
only a few hours of daylight
when the cold comes.
She doesn’t mind the clutter
she’s the only one left
to heat the water
drink the coffee
stay by the computer
to connect with the world. 

© Sharon Warden January 6, 2008