A Chilling Breath

I wonder at expressive skies and lay
in silence mesmerized,
the chill of winter's silent wait
falls harsh upon my heart.

I hear the chilling breath at dawn
and stand behind a bolted door
reluctant in my fearful wait,
I fast deny what is my fate.

The voices fall, a weighted lead,
like crystal snowflakes shattering, relentless
frozen beats, that slow to naught
as death draws nigh.

With labored gasp, I hesitate
in hopes of mercy's gentle touch,
a chilling breath at last
withdrawn.

October: 2006