Winter Closet by Kruthika Jerome
My father always said,
Winters are liked by those
who own coats.
Why else is the grey
beautiful
If not for the cosy corners
And gloves that keep you warm? But I never understood that,
until,
this winter.
You took with you
Your coats, your mufflers
And the large overcoats that I loved. I decided, finally,
To give my own coat
To a man who sits outside on the street. I did that,
Not out of masochism,
But simply because
my coat does not keep me warm, Anymore.
How strange,
that what I chose for myself,
is no longer for me.
Instead,
My body craves for,
the soft insides
that line your coat.
It remembers your warmth,
but shuns mine.
Maybe it is time,
To own my coat.
You may have left me
oh so terribly cold,
But winters, darling,
come around the year
And next time,
I plan to stay warm.
Sweater Weather by Shawn D'souza
About the poets and artists:
Shawn D’Souza is a textile designer who moonlights as a watercolor illustrator. He draws as a way of understanding his surroundings better. You can find him on Instagram @dsouza_ee
Tanuka Ray (she/they) is a non-binary neurodivergent human, a lover, an independent artist and psychotherapist. Moon child, forever chasing sunsets. They make art to share her inner journey with everyone. Follow them on Instagram @tanuka.draws