permanent midnight

the sky says it's late
but orion crosses quickly in winter

I am forever driving hunched over,
trying to see through the half-iced windshield
tonight freezing rain makes the asphalt treacherous
and throws thick ice in my vision

it would be risky enough to drive with the windshield clear
but what that would risk seems small anymore

the defroster is off and I refuse to wear gloves, I like the cold.
it reminds me that I am alive, and am not obligated to be happy about it.

and if the windshield clears I might see where I'm going
and the hunter won't rise before morning.