The cold seeps in to stay your hands

Bent double, grasping

Your heart stops, slowly

Nearly imperceptible

But for the slowing of the world

Narrowing of your vision

He stands so carelessly

As though unaware of what is claimed by him

Or given

Throws down words for all to hear

To pick up and take away with them

Stripping you bare

Bare of skin

Bare of pride or hope

Shaking from the shiver of the cold

From the shock

You try to hide your clawing

And your well worn, dying, heart