drab

drab
     like this last day of november
            cold 
            overcast
            drizzly
yes
   drab
       not dismal or frosty or bitter or gloomy 
              not grim or bleak or nippy or clammy
just 
    cold
      and overcast
        and drizzly
             today
                  an unfortunate precursor
                      of much more to come
                              making me feel.....
drab
    because that's what it is
           exactly what it is
like an old army helmet
     instead of a crown
like simple chords
     instead of a symphony
like moans
     instead of a death bed confession
like beef stock
            without garnish
                not savory
                    or succulent 
                         or anything else
            just the simple essence 
                         boiled out of things
and stock
      not broth
           not to be confused
                    with the other stuff
                             of more than just bone
just stock
     that grandma knew
                    like lullabies and fairy tales
                             and fables
            warm and comforting and healing
               on cold
                   overcast
                      and drizzly
                             days
so raise a warm cup
            of the simple stuff
                                salute!
                 old man winter
                       or better yet
                              just winter
with hope or prayers
            that the drab                       
                  in these words
                       will be enough
                              to see us through
                                   these long and lonely
                                              days and nights
                                                        of winter
and 
if we're lucky
     if we pass the test
                 if it doesn't break us
the words in spring might be a little bit better
     maybe 
          just a little less
               drab