Bitter Cold

In the midst of cold so bitter Lies the fear of its pain From my youth I remember It stealing my breath away It closed my nose tightly together It slapped my face as in shame Cold like that you remember The shivering seems to remain I will not return where it's bitter again Cannot understand why so many stay I'd rather stay where winters are milder Than shiver and shake while starting a car Cold so bitter is never forgotten It's impression stamped like boot bottoms Crunching loudly in my head Then reminders of getting pelted With bundles as it melts from trees Walking home from school through the park Yes the memories of my youth are beautiful The blinding blanket spraying each tree But deep in the purity of the white Lies that demon, the freeze monster Taking the breath away holding it ransom Until temperatures rise to keep him away Leaving him bitter, angry until next time