THE SNOW MAIDEN

She: unworldly, prone to melting
He: bewitched, and a roaring fire

So the seasons turn. Frozen
rivers relax, the waters break

Snowflakes and crystals turn to blood
in the ungloved heat of the hand

She is running now; her touch
a trickle of sweat in his ear

Her name a memory of cold
snegurochka snegurochka