There’s a tempestuous wind tossing

deluged leaves along the cobblestone.

Their jagged edges fill the gutters

or cling to street lamps as if they want

to stay.

A smoky being among the shadows, you

grow nearer.

Sharp knives of sleet sting

the back of your neck.

I watch you as you grow nearer,

your gloved hand pulls your

collar higher.

The wind collects my

voice as I call out to you.

Chill settles deep inside our bones

until at last we stand before the fire,

our bodies clinging as though

they will ignite.

art by Fabian Perez ” Buenos Aires”