Walking the towpath. A cyclist pedals towards me. Breath clouds behind her.

We nod, two strangers sharing the same cold air, the same quiet hope that spring will keep its promise.

The town is half-asleep, half-waking. Like me.

canal mist
the bear in my chest
turns over

Paul Conneally
4th January 2026

Photograph: Blacksmiths Arms, Quorn, UK – Paul Conneally

………….

Now listen to Star by Venus Aphrodite: