her silence
perfectly encapsulates
the sound of ice cracking
at subzero temperatures
in the middle of nowhere
on a frozen
january evening
as you walk
down the dark trail
in search of shelter
from the elements
knowing at least
three toes
are blackened
in the wet socks
that feel as if l
they weigh three pounds
apiece
all you want
is to lie down
sleep
every muscle aches
the incessant wind
has left your cheeks
wind burnt
your lips are chapped
cracked
sending tendrils of pain
with every
wincing footstep