Tempting Fate and Winning

I feel the stinging slap of wind on my face
as steel snow pelts me hard with no let up.
Hands are numb with an ache in the bone.
I put my head down and struggle on slowly.

A voice resounds through my head.
"You may die here." The demons mock.
But I go on into the wind howling its rabid song.

I know my time is not yet come.
There is always a way to live.
Finding a rhythm within myself
surging passed hunger and fear.

A let up in the wind shows my refuge.
I find shelter in an old shed
and with revived strength
I push in the door falling inside.

Laughing out loud in pain
I shout 'Fuck you!' To the demons.
Cheating them out of my demise.
The wind screams in angry rage.

I have felt the burn of Winter ice before.
I pull my arms into my side, rock back and forth
warming myself on a small propane burner
cold and lonely, but alive.

As dark covers the night the storm rages.
I fade in and out of dreams
knowing to sleep deep is to die.
My eyes become logs rolling down.

In the morning there is no sound.
I open the door as glare of snow blinds me.
Sun shines crystal clear.
Weak and rummy I grab my gear.

Five miles is a struggle down the hill.
Falling several times and struggling to my feet.
I know I am losing myself as I think of last night
about those I love and those who love me.

There is no second place out here
in the silent pine and snow-drifted meadows.
Only life or death, win or lose.
I continue on half sick, almost gone.

In the distance waiting my truck covered in snow.
Hands too numb to feel it takes several tries
to unlock the frozen door. I hop inside gasping,
start the engine, it coughs to life.

Unable to feel my lips I smile,
lean back and laugh out loud.
It's going to be a beautiful day.