Ice Burnt

I tried to burn away the ice
But it wouldn't burn or melt
The ice burned me, it burnt the fire
I still remember how it felt

Scars upon my fingertips
Reminders of winter nights
When fire desired its rightful place
When ice desired its place of rites

I'd lay here fevered and burning
Next to you and your cold, cold sweat
When you left, the comforter melted
And the flannel sheets got wet

The stalactites began to drip
The cave would fill with laughter
You disappeared into mystery
And I into my mornings after

The room began to fill with light
Warmed from the inside out
Thawing came, the fire returned
It never truly did burn out

I'd lay here fevered and burning
Next to you and your cold, cold sweat
When you left, the comforter melted
And the flannel sheets got wet

Next to my hearth I would place you
But the flame in the fireplace froze
Frostbitten from the outside in
Hypothermic to the soul

I wrapped you up all cozy
But the insulation froze
Ice crystals on your ivory
Frost within your clothes

I'd lay here fevered and burning
Next to you and your cold, cold sweat
When you left, the comforter melted
And the flannel sheets got wet

I have no need of a fireplace
I can warm this place myself
It's just for the sake of memories
I keep these candles on my shelf

But sometimes it gives me the shivers
Even just to think about
The unmoved soul so statuesque
Frostbitten from the inside out

I'd lay here fevered and burning
Next to you and your cold, cold sweat
When you left, the comforter melted
And the flannel sheets got wet

 © John Kennan 10-5-13