the shadows getting longer and longer earlier and earlier every day catch my eye and remind me of the year winding down; I'm getting reacquainted with the sounds of wire notebook spirals and pens scribbling secretly under the voice of a teacher's lecture; as I walk, leaves, real TV red and yellow, nip at my ankles while my breath momentarily fogs up my glasses; cold noses have returned, all numb and small-feeling, making kisses that much more warm and relieving, like survival might depend on it.