Warm winter moonlight melts

The ice in my numb mind.

Awake now, my cold soul!

And breathe the air again.

Dancing in soft moonlight,

You embrace the dim stars.

Life is fast and fleeting;

So live as you were made.

Darkness’ gentle embrace

Then plunges me under.

Shall I sleep or dream here?

I know not either one.

The fatal kiss of death

Is sweet like honeycombs.

His arms gently lift me

To carry me homeward.

—Cecilia R. Poulos