That Winter Game


~ by Nancy


Caps knitted in frosty stitches
Gloves and mittens crusted stiff
Fingers
Noses
Cheeks
Burned red by cold
…best fort ever…
…sneak attack …
…ammunition …
They stir a breeze in passing
Daytime
Outdoors
Winter
Children of the Tunnels
Half frozen
Exhilarated
Heading home

A glimpse of Jamie
Snowbound in her boots and scarf
Hi
VincentA whispered greeting
And a white sphere
Rushes at him
Almost fits
Mostly fits
Through the sentry’s peephole

Surprise and self-defense
Counsel retreat
Thwack
Ice crystals splatter
Silver-beard the golden stubble on his chin
Slip to melting
Down his neck
Chilling trickles on his chest
He grins
Drying what he can

A muffled glee
Left to tease
She’s gone

~

Morning Below
Everyone
Gathered
Straining
Jamie’s chamber portal
Her laughter ringing
Louder than the pipes

Rugs rolled to one side
Her floor
Whitened
All snowy orbs
She kneels on the bed
Manages one word
Half choked in chuckles
Vincent

Behind the crowd of gigglers
Snuggled close to the accused
Catherine smiles
Confesses
…and me…

for H
Winterfest 2011