Cold or Hot – As I write in a comfortable abode, there are those outside freezing, some to death. The homeless in particular are vulnerable and must endure dark, cold, lonely, hopeless nights that are unimaginable to me. And when they survive, the morning does not become the end of their misery. In winter, as it is now, it is cold during the day as well. And then there is always, inevitably another night that follows. The cold is torturous, making every minute miserable, and dominating the mind with thoughts only of warmth. For most of us, if we are cold, we can escape it indoors, wrap ourselves in clothes, and warm up to a comfortable, survivable temperature. This simple comfort is luxury for the homeless. Of course, we could provide the homeless with warmth and shelter. Or we can mimic Stoke’s apathy and indifference, knowing that while there are those in the world who are cold, we are not. – Zachary