HE SAID, SHE SAID

Photo collage by S. Auberle

He says winter

is a cruel old man

his breath a frigid howl

white whip of his beard

slashing fiercely in the cold.

She says Winter is the eternal Bride

the one who precedes

the rites of Spring

her dress the wedding

of wind and moonlight

her voice a whisper of snow

caressing the nakedness of trees

branches reaching for her

like eager arms.

- mimi