and the flakes continue to drop
star sparkled and stark like the bones beneath fragile faded skin
dagger reminders
of the smoothed skin child that grows into the soft fragile vein
and of the ones that die against your strong heart
and another northern winter
gloves and pulled hair caught in zippers icy grip
stamp of boots
slide of car tire
a reminder
that there is only one choice, to be
hearty and strong
chapped lips and ice dripped lashes
rosy cheeks lashed by the whip of her howl
and your howl wells up and
answers the call