My beautiful Moon Beam ran

outside tonight under my feet

as I was carrying Buddy in.

It was 5 degrees.  One hour passed.

One hour I searched, calling,

"Moon! Moon Beam!" under

a full bright moon, my face

bitten by the wind, sighting 

her dart like arrows across 

the lawns, impossible to catch.

She's purring now, curled up

on my lap, still cool, contented 

from her winter night reverie.

I, on the other hand, sit numb,

numb and relieved.  I lost it

for several moments, crying

seeing myself finding frozen
Moon Beam on the morning snow.

Now that all is right in this
twin home of millions of homes,
I think Moon has the right idea.
I'm going to curl up under 

my down blankets, cozy
and warm and go to sleep.