I want nothing more than to cross

your glacial wall,

to witness the flora unfurl, reborn.

In the middle of fire and ice, I pass

the time by bidding farewell to the fading sun,

who travels further into the darkness of space,

leaving behind a feverish romance.

At summer’s final breath, I carry on

the life force, and hear

the climax of spring

is a canvas of rich color I’ll never get beyond

incandescent veils to hold.

So, I add another shade of midnight to the sky

at eventide, as I watch the invisible,

cooling air gently paint

the leaves on trees.

My friends, the stars visit earlier each night

and our circle rotates, eternal.

The hugs from pillowy clouds envelop me

as I sink into a chilling hibernation

blotted by brown, dead leaves, 

and your familiar, frozen grip.

Nine months ago, we met among the frost.

You emerged, a wisp of icy mist and drew from me

my breath; my lungs encased in glass-like stone.

Three months have passed, and I’ll soon meet you again.

This was written by our contributing writer, Brittany Studer.