Sleigh Ride

All around me snowflakes dance

in the cold night

The cold bites my cheeks

like pinches from my aunt

I shiver like a leaf in a wind storm

a wool blanket drapes around my shoulders

as I lay in the sleigh.

The horses trot in the snow

the bells on their harnesses ringing

I clutch my hot chocolate with gloved hands

steam warming my frozen face

I sit close to my friend and

we talk and laugh all the way.