Beware The Thaw

This photo was taken by my friend Michelle Dickey. With a heart as beautiful as her skill

*****

Broken,

but still standing.

Like the trees

in winter's thaw.

Bare,

and unforgiving

Revealing love,

the tragic flaw.

Shivers

climb my back,

as the raven makes her call.

The deepest freeze is coming,

and it means to claim us all.

The air is getting warmer,

makes us shed the layer that protects -

the warm and fleshy skin,

now exposed, the fragile neck.

The enemy is watching,

for our guards to be let down.

He waits till all is quiet,

and nobody is around.

Then he creeps into our memories,

into those thoughts that we hold dear.

Makes us feel safe,

knowing that spring will soon be here.

Then, when you least expect it,

he tears the feel good

from your grasp.

Choking out your hope,

he sits and smiles

as you gasp.

The longer that you struggle,

his eyes begin to shine.

He whispers through the darkness,

I told you; you were mine.