It is snowing. Here I am by myself, sleepy. The world is made of wet bark and yellow leaves. I swim through cold night looking for you. So did the pilgrims. The pilgrims didn't smile because you took their hearts. Give them back. You gave them fire instead. How will that help? The bland pumpkin pies and deadly winters and left over sea sickness. You gave me a fat sloppy heart so I smile all the time. I smile because I am not ashes. I smile because leaves are burning into the dour air. I dream about sleeping sheep and cities. You love me. I give you back cracked love. I am not a sheep or an angel or ashes. I give you back cracked love and you take it because you have no choice. Swimming through a snowy fall night, I will find you. Even with the bald fault lines of my love I have you. You forgive me.

Francis Rose