Winter Ballad

The one who controls the wind. As a cushion for her feet Drifted the dead dry leaves Before her on the street, Playfully lifted A lock of her hair, Caressed her cheek With tender care, Helped her along with A following breeze, Sang her a song through Rustling boughed trees, Escorted her unseen to Her Lover’s embrace Then silently turned To leave that place. Turned to face the wide sea And with a despairing wail Whipped up that ocean With a tempestuous gale, Worked out his rage With one last desparate cry Culminating with one Last accepting sigh, Lashed the waves Against the shore Then let peace Reign once more. Never looked for her again Just breathed one icy breeze Causing the town one Early unseasonal freeze, Causing she and her lover To snuggle up in a tight embrace As his goodbye breath icily Kissed cool her face, Then the one who controls the wind That lovelorn one Resolutly turned its back And silently moved on.