this side of solstice

the sweet soft tears of winter, dear
could never wash away the words
we shared, the kisses lush and thick,
or cool the fires in our wild hearts.

So stirred by wind, so cracked by ice
so lost along the rivers rush
with eyes we dare the tender snow
to blanket autumn color's hush

like lonely poems each fall and melt
the sweet soft tears of winter, dear
a drift of songs unknown, unfelt
melody, harmony a tangled twist of fear

the ice is thick, the night is deep
the wind, the wind, the north wind bites
the storm rolls in, no fear, no sin
the storm rolls out, no stars tonight