As the darkness swirls and takes us in.

So my story of gloom, I do begin.

Although not all is as evil as it seems.

Kindness exists, not just in our dreams.

A vile coldness that bites us all.

Not merely the weather that is cruel.

A bitterness that infects our very hearts.

Sets in on us from our very start.

Contaminates us, like a cancerous infection.

Sees beauty within, pushed away by deflection.

Although the beauty of this truth seems crushed out.

Through propaganda that tries to win us out.

Yet in these lies, these evil vile deceptions

There are still some kind, and welcoming exceptions.

Community kindness seeks to break the mold.

Sets a path to deflect what's wilfully sold.

Creating a cozy shelter from harm.

Envelopes,  protects, and keeps us warm.

Reminds us of the goodness that exists.

In its battle against such evil that persists.

Though we know this biting coldness within.

Through determined resistance, we won't let it win.

_

Karen Burns is 49 and lives in Coventry, England and she is a freelance journalist. Her interests are reading, poetry, writing reviews and she has a blog all about her daughter who has an eating disorder.