i once was floating on
beauty's breath and flowers
adorned my milky brow -
cold has left me hollow.
i look to what has been,
a torment, a whip
lashing across my back,
whistling that old hymn.
i forgot it for a while.
numbing i smile, i walk
ignoring the shouts, yet
caring little, facing you.
you lashes harm me not -
you never would see.
and numb, passive, i
turn a cheek to
forget, to ignore, to
pretend the snow is
melting once more.
oh, how i had expired.
5-1-96