I.C.E

Bitter cold flakes. Laughs muffled by heavy coats The crunch of snow as we head to the car Holding hands Sharing a connection that began 16 years ago Suddenly ripped apart Cold gusts sweeping the work and hope once held in calloused hands Sweeping joy and childness from small smooth hands .For crimes long since forgotten For crimes long since forgiven The snow slowly picking up speed, dropping heavy and wet The clicks of handcuffs locking, like ventricles of a dying heart shutting away secrets As soft words come from insincere lips. Heavy gloved hands fall on my shoulder Temperatures flare And I turn away contemplating the unfairness Staring at yellow letters I.C.E Slipping on I.C.E, As I.C.E drives away into the storm The same storm that has since calmed Melted away Relenting to the warmth of new faces and smiles To a voice, although far away Bringing memories of calloused hands, and wrinkly smiles