colder

you know the brilliance of it
that sure footed fleeting that makes me want

to quit speaking

and your blaringly Hellenistic beauty
sharp jawed ferocities canvasing flawlessness
even your painted smiles makes me want

to ration my own

the wolves have shed the sheep's clothing
traded them for long
sleek
jackets and patterned leggings down to the
tall
leather
boot

the fangs are gone and the only threat
is the deep scar carved into the straightness of my posture
and the strong confidence in the way i held my neck

bones won't break though they will shiver
flesh in tact; though it will cool to a perplexed and fidgeting
disturbance
something turbid under stillness

something fierce and gruesome in the thick of the wild
about to blood-stain the pristine glitter of fresh snow
and spoil it with crimson beauty that far surpasses
the natural

you know the brilliance of it

everything that is out of reach and exquisite in its composure
blindingly unfamiliar like the brilliance of red
statuesque in its beauty

and far

far

colder than i can ever

hope
to be