I once witnessed the crisp crunch of the snow

as my boots carried me into the parking lot

laughter behind me as one friend joked to another

a flickering street lamp bathed our frosty winter jackets in summer’s orange

But now the faces are foggy like glasses clouded from wearing a mask

gone are the sharp edges and clear memories

faded, a photo left on a sunny windowsill

but the gold of elation past won’t tarnish