Warming up to Cold

I used to let the snow simply fall onto my skin
without any attention paid
to how it suspended the discreet barrier between
flesh and false exterior.

Yet,
nothing remains
outdoors anymore.

Venturing in causes me
to leak out.
Walking out leads me
back in.

A symbiotic relationship with snow
reminds me of this journey.

I constrict a clump of white within my fist
allowing the warmth of my palm
to embrace the swelling rawness

as slush
turns to ice
melts to water.

Becoming less resistant
jubilantly dripping down

returning
to the source.

Ironic,
how the physical form of frozen atmosphere
ignites an inner fire.

Acute asymmetrical alignment
between natures compassionate
ferocity
and my own vulnerable veil
lifted
to reveal
the snowflake within.

But the notion of a snowflake
is far too delicate.

The snow reveals its message best
when crushed.