It’s always cold here

teeth chattering noises

like birds chatting

on a wire

or bugs buzzing

in your ear

 

lips are purple

like nightshade

puckered to kiss

the cheeks that are red

 

tear ducts frozen over

eyes glazed like glass

watching like a lens

careful not to crack

 

the blood even slows

turns to sludge

trudging along the avenues

trying to find the heart

 

summer is over

the sun is gone

welcome perpetual winter

and forever night

starless with no wishes

and your hopes a blight

 

surprised it doesn’t snow

to cover up in layers

what tries to be hidden

white purity above

the reality beneath