Aches and Pains

The weather isn't helping
it's damp chill
abiding like an aura
seeping into spaces
in between even the warmest of layers
settling into my bones
slowing my movement
stiffness where there should be fluidity
the year has teamed up with it
nearly seven months of ups and downs
self doubt, misunderstandings and underestimations
undervalued and overlooked
the confusion taking over
the intersection of my neck and shoulders
it's heaviness
weighing my hips
where I try to stand firm
I cherish rest
and the chance to have a warm
cave of blanket around me
to welcome silence and sleep
and the gratitude
of a soft place to dream
with each breath
the pains relax into deep waves
of stillness
my body mine, and alive, once more