If the World is Cold
“If the world is cold, make it your business to build fires”
-Horace Traubel
Today, my frail friend, I open up for business
Strike a match from my back pocket
Open up my beating locket
Set my heart aflame, unguard it
Lean against my stronger shoulders
Come, sob into my heated chest
Stay here, my tired love, get some rest
My doors are open to every guest
My heart will burn to coals and ash
If it means that you’ll be warm
Keep you sheltered from this storm
Protect you any time, any place, or in any form
This world is cold and bitingly cruel
To the kindest, most innocent eyes
But please, my weary dove, it shouldn’t be a surprise
That after this winter the sun will rise
Though until then, my chest will ache with searing heat
But that’s really alright, my lonely dear
For my little shop will be open all year
And you are always, always welcome here.
Collin Anderson Memorial Award for Poetry Honorable Mention
Marlee Vedder is a sophomore studying Early Childhood/Childhood education at SUNY Cortland. She enjoys reading and writing poetry and fiction, and hopes to become an elementary English or literacy teacher after obtaining her master’s degree.