I Looked Outside Today

I looked outside today
I saw the snow falling all around
people walking, dark smudges
against the pure white backdrop
I turned away lest they see me
silhouetted against the bare white
of my unadorned walls
After a time I looked again
and saw the cloud heavy sky
still dispensing its burden
upon the ground below
cars passing by on the street
people on the move
from somewhere to somewhere
I envied them their mobility
looking down at the ice kissed ground
the footprints writ upon it
I wished that I could follow
to catch up with one and say hi
but that just could never be

I looked outside today
I saw a world that has passed me by
as I sit here with only my thoughts
to keep me company
I vowed that I would once again
go out amongst the crowds
as I once did so very long ago
in another world, another time
when the troubles and turmoils
were but dark smudges
against a pure white backdrop
But instead I stayed here
four walls, my prison
fear and distrust, my guards
keeping me safe from harm
keeping the world safe from me

I went outside today
I kicked up fountains of snow
ran laughing, tumbling into the drifts
Angels and snowmen guard the path
and the missiles burst apart
into a million tiny crystals
as they strike their targets
People passed and they smiled
some stopped to say hello
A few even joined with us
in a battle for the path
After a while, cold and wet
we went back inside
to the warm welcome of home
a prison no longer
for the guards have been dismissed
The world and I are one
Later I stood by the window
I held myself and wept with joy
as I looked outside today