Shivering from the Wind Chill and My Ambitions

notifications on my phone warn 

of snow storm conditions

I leave my apartment with gloves and a scarf adorned

shivering from the wind chill and my ambitions 

my neck aches from tilting my head so low

I try to convince myself that it’s because of the snow

“I don’t want to trip”

but it also might be because life is starting to dip

the Chicago cold and long dark nights

leave me longing for Los Angeles with all my might

where my family and friends wait for me

to return, after I become who I’m meant to be

back in LA, I reported on vibrant and beautiful art

here I cover corruption and crime

the difference between the topics hurts my heart

but I know I’ll be a stronger journalist with time

as I think about the risks I’ve taken to be here

I slip on a sheet of ice

my feet feel numb and my frustration reappears

in just this morning, this already happened twice

last week, it happened four times in a day

but now I’m more resilient, observant, and alert

even though I might continue to wish the snow went away

eventually, I won’t feel as hurt