Snowflakes

I still have that hoodie in my top dresser drawer.

It doesn’t fit me anymore, and it’s full of tears

but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The red really stood out in the muted January sunsets.

Midwinter’s icy gales blowing quietly in the field past the pine trees.

Scattered splotches of snow, partially melted, but hard as ice.

The dry air causing my nose to bleed a little bit.

And that stupid playground. Its weathered forest-green swings,

and the woodchips stuffed into every conceivable crevice.

The words we said to each other still carved into my memory

like the crude engravings beneath the cracking slide.

That snow-covered kiss you gave me…

Well, it was more like kisses, the first one was messy.

I think I got a little blood on your nose too.

But that’s what happens on your first time, right?

Oh, my winter love, how I adore your gentle embrace.

As long as we held our mittened hands, the cold did not matter.

The biting squalls around us only made you feel warmer.

As we sat atop the playground, looking at the reflection

of the bleak winter sunset in each other’s eyes.

We both knew that the snow wouldn’t last forever.

But isn’t that what makes it beautiful?