There’s laughter

Flowing out of the sweet mouth of a rosy babe

The crisp crunch of snow causing her glee

Running, tripping, racing

In the deep, cold snow

To the warm, welcoming cabin

We reach the steps, full of laughter

Our faces red from the cold

Fingers numb, feet froze

The fire entices us, begging to help

We lay on the rug, worn from our play

The smell of warm, rich hot chocolate

Wafts through the cozy air

Our kind, smiling mother walks in

Holding two mugs

I reach to hold it, grasping for the goodness

But darkness,

It swoops in and takes me back

To the cold wind, the harsh snow

The cruel faces that sneer

As I lay on the brick paved road

Wishing that my dream was true