Hello Star,

I know poetry is a subjective art form and, in this case, the reader (me) feels that this is about mourning. Having lost people close to me over the years, it is like they are still with me; the grief is part of me and somehow, I embrace that for fear of losing them altogether. The way you end your poem was so sad for me, for it suggests that being 'just me' is preferable than the grief.

Thanks for sharing this - it was among many fabulous entries.

I honestly could not guess who wrote what, and I usually like to guess, but I will tell you that this is the poem I gave the most votes to! I also had a hard time deciding if I wanted this quote at first because it's been one of my favorite songs off of her album, on the deluxe edition I believe?

One thing when reading again:

"She will
persevere
the coldness
that I fear"

- This could just be me, but I'm not too familiar with "persevere" used in this way, and thought that changing it to "persevere through" or "she will outlast/survive the coldness that I fear" would make it read more smoothly? Totally a perspective thing though and I don't want to give a suggestion if you would prefer I don't! I think what you said here is so profound though.

I also took this poem in a wider sense, going beyond December and giving metaphors to the types of cold within us. Feeling close to each other, yet drifting apart. I can't put into words the longing you made me feel in this poem - the questioning of belonging, and with that closing line... something like the imbalances and juxtapositions within ourselves? One side of us able to thrive in the cold, the other hoping to move on but never feeling at home or permanent anywhere.

Made me think of so many transitory things. The months, the seasons, cycles of our lives. So happy you wrote for this contest!!

Love it love it!

Congratulation for the win, Star! Well deserved.