32 Comments
User's avatar
AsukaHotaru's avatar

“like he flipped a switch somewhere in my chest.” Yeah. That’s the exact thing. I felt my face soften without asking. Winter can yap all it wants, that line wins.

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Thanks Asuka!!!

Mark Williams's avatar

16 degrees… nice spring day here, mind you that’s Celsius 😂

Mark Williams's avatar

It’s not that today. More like 2-5 C

Neha Jhingon's avatar

What a warm and beautiful poem ❤️

Adrião Pereira da Cunha's avatar

This poem feels like a snapshot of a winter morning where everything is stiff, slow, and slightly annoying.

There’s something so relatable in the fight with layers and zippers, as if the cold were personally challenging you.

Bray Bray watching with that quiet, trusting look adds a warmth that cuts right through the frost.

And the moment he smiles that sudden, bright switch you can feel the whole mood shift.

It’s amazing how a child’s expression can melt what the weather can’t.

The poem turns a freezing, uncomfortable moment into something unexpectedly tender.

You can almost feel the speaker’s hands steadying, not because the cold eased, but because love did its work.

The rhythm mirrors the slow thaw of the morning, breath turning from fog to something softer.

What starts as a battle with winter becomes a reminder of why these small routines matter.

And by the end, you believe it sixteen degrees or not, warmth can come from a smile.

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Thank you so much Adrião, you nailed it!

Aaqiel Pillay's avatar

Your poem captures the reality, Chris!

The cold is brutal.

Everything's fighting you.

But then Bray Bray smiles...

And suddenly none of it matters anymore.

Because...

That's what love does.

It doesn't change the "temperature".

It changes how the cold feels.

And that shift?

Means everything.

Hina Gondal's avatar

Wow Chris I am in love with your poetry

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Thank you Hina!

just mud by Ron's avatar

nice! liking the poetry, Chris! the 16 degrees--I'm working on!

Alicia's avatar

This is so lovely! 💕

Gary L Taylor's avatar

Loved this. Beautiful stuff.

Luisa Gramarossa's avatar

♥️

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Thanks Luisa!

Kelly - Mothers never give up's avatar

Love this! I feel the chills on my skin and warmth in my heart. ❤️

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Thanks so much Kelly!

Laura B Writing in the Shadows's avatar

I started to tear up as soon as Bray Bray showed up 😭 I love this 🖤✨

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Awww thanks so much Laura!

Laura B Writing in the Shadows's avatar

Thank you for this heartwarming poem 🥹🖤🫂

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Thanks for reading!

Michelle R. Smith, LIMHP's avatar

I'm glad both of you found smiles in the cold!

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Thanks Michelle!

Nikki Meyler Miller's avatar

Beautiful, Chris.

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Thank you Nikki!

Rebecca Dube's avatar

Wonderful poem, I especially like this part:

Bray Bray watches me

like he already knows

this part works out.

Chris B. Writes's avatar

Thanks so much Rebecca! It’s so true, he definitely knows we are taking good care of him even though he can’t vocalize it. He shows us in his own way.