early frost clings
closed eyelids crusts
delicate lashes I can pretend
you"re only sleeping
but the coming spring
won"t thaw the ice
that keeps your heart
from beating
and the summer sun
could never warm
your cold skin
autumn breezes
lift the hair back
from your pale brow
and if I ignore
the cold, the chill
when I hold you close
I can still pretend
