sun arrows down from cloudless skies
winter wind bringing ice to skin
in the distance the hill burns
ice
I held ice tight
I held ice tight in my hand
water trickled from my fist
to my forehead
Then my hand was empty
but my fist remained
blood frozen in its veins
I rubbed knuckles on my eyes
my heart drum noised
my temples throbbed
All memories swirled in snow
all memories swirled
in snow
Again my fever
Again my fever burned me. Again. Again.
And then her voice was melted ice
My heart snow-touched soft-slowed to race
I felt a dream of frozen breeze
I heard a song no longer screams
And then the fever left me.
Bus stop, Sunday morning
The bus shelter must have been hosed down afterwards. Frosted ferns spread across the clouded walls. Thinned-rust ice dribbles meaninglessly down to the gutter. People frown at the sooted lamppost then see the torn blue tape. A robin cocks its head, challenging our gaze.
Late winter
I step out of the house and make eye contact with an ice-clouded sun. I blink first.
Year of blood, year of ice
The year of blood stretched its weary limbs. Clots dripped in the half-light.
The new year of ice bared its teeth. They are mine now, the wind whistled. And they have done it all themselves.
But in one corner, one quiet corner, the green and yellow nestled. It would take time, a long time, and human touch and heat, but the blood and the winter would come to an end. That time was coming. Hope could be felt.
Ice
Ice maiden, ice warrior, ice princess: names signifying distance and threat. But yours were the hands that staunched my wounds.
Metamorphosis
Insect to human was harder. No matter the warmth of smile and hands, heart remained ice. Sal sensed it early but saw it too late.
The ice wind breathes
The ice wind breathes ever harder; one by one city lights go out.
They hold hands. If they are ever found, they will be found together.
It’s back then
Cool sun, sky ice light blue. Commuters puff out their personal clouds and frown knowingly. “It’s back then. Aye, here’s winter again.”
My talented pal Ross @bigblether drew the illustration below.
