Midwinter Blues

Cabin fever
No sign of thaw -
Just to get out for a walk
Without the cold being raw . . .
The height of depression -
So fat, so ugly, so pale -
I've got to get away
But I hope to no avail . . .
Everyone's on my nerves
(Yes, that even means you!) -
If sunshine means happiness
Guess what these clouds do?
On the verge of insanity -
I know I can't make it
(Only) a month and seven days -
I don't think I can take it . . .
When will it be over?
It's hard to hang in there
Until I get a breather . . .
If I can just make it through
Cabin fever.

-- Barbara E. Prater, 1994