twelve

1.
Her naked back,
silhoutted in the darkness,
is relaxed.


2.
An odd shape,
pools of white
reflect my image, my stare.


3.
Surrounded by the ashen forest,
a clear meadow
shines in the moonlight.


4.
The bright light
blinds me momentarily,
for I need to stare,
but remain in the shadow.


5.
Shielding the delicate,
it is powerful
and makes her strong.


6.
Sloping toward the shades of gray,
I cannot tell which side is up,
or where to begin searching.


7.
I am intimidated by the sheer
face of hte cold slope.
I begin my climb,
but cannot finish.


8.
Sliding down her spine,
I cannot control
my movements.


9.
Heat radiates
and she begins
to glow.


10.
The ridges
of her vertebrae
are stacked like building blocks.
I want to play.


11.
Still and cold
her stone
collects snow in patterns.


12.
Water running
over her shoulders
collects at the nape.