Katrina Kaye

The chill of the months

are known to stagnate
feet and freeze fingers.

Anticipate the cold and lonesome.
Pain clenches fists
in a grotesque coil.
It knows where to find you.

But here is not where it ends.

Come May the sun will
lighten chestnut locks
and brown the pale skin of under arm.

If you are lucky, and I know
you are, you will be able
to watch sunrise over ocean
and know this world will continue.

As the earth spins,
You are a child twirling
in the sunlight until your
knees give out.

Look toward the sea and sunshine.
I know not everyone will see it,
but you will. It will return.

For right now,
listen,
The crash of waves,
the curl of toes against sand,
sunlight reflected in unkempt hair.
they are here
only for you.

“Midwinter” is previously published in W.E.I.R.D. (2022).