merciless winter

snow is bitter, even
though it glitters
like silver pennies
in blinding sunlight.

there’s just enough
heat to melt a razor layer
that stabs when broken
not yet enough to absolve
completely.

nothing is beautiful
about this nature.
ice laces the edge
of transparent wings,
there is no reincarnation,
and dragonflies freeze easily.

lingering impressions

I want to trace
the lines in your palm
to where your life
tangles with mine
and mingle for eternity,

smooth with my thumb
the crease in your brow
shadowed by the years
of shared passing,

touch with my lips
the echoes of laughter
etched on your cheek
and flecked in the sun
of your eyes,

open my hand
inside a lazy stream
and catch the ripple
of a dragonfly stealing a kiss
off the face of forever.

cold feet

the fire is warm
but my fingertips have yet to find
assurance in heat
and though I entreat my toes
to stretch toward flame,
they settle for the solace
of neither bite nor burn