Afternoon Tea

We're watching the world
wake from hibernation.

Each limb stretches out,
the bones creak
an old stairwell's tune.

We shake the snow
from our body and forage
for berries to stain our teeth.

Up north, the river has
frozen over but not yet
completely

so that water still flows
underneath, and if we wanted to,

we could break the ice
with a light tap of the foot
or a small stone

flung with just the right amount
of force. How many days are
between you and me?

Sometimes the hunger
feels more like a companion,
a shadow that holds your hand

before the darkness
catches up to you
and devours you whole.