You came home late from the snowy cold. Being unloved, you said "By the fire, hold Me, make me warm again." Your cold fingers wandered playfully Over me, my breathing fitfully Faltering in its delight. Your soft voice, your lips upon my ear, Whispered gentle like the snow, but clear As the fire crackled its approval. "In the forest, through the cold in haste I walked, but I've kept another place Starred with dew and promise. Its flower needs a gardener's wise touch, Knowing what's too little and too much, Who'll help that narrow path to open. If you'll be a strong, tall tree - I see That soon you will be - a place you'll see Where you may plant that tree. But first be sure that you explore My valleys, meadows, hills and store Of secrets and my hidden places; Let your eyes, your hands and body rove Over all my lands, for there's a trove Of treasure there for every sense."

With bodies warmed and freed before the fire, I gladly took, and gave what you required, As our souls in each other entwined. The reddening glow on your face and skin Revealing your rising fire within Drew me to speak out to you: "Every shadow, every rise and fall I've found, always guided by your call That my exploration's aim was true. Now moving from this much darker place, Into the light of your eyes and face I'll kiss your lips again. If you say your dew-dropped path is free I'll rise up, and we may plant that tree In the forest only we know." Our own perfect music, harmony In intimate embrace with melody, Accompanied the flickering shadows. With every movement, fast and slow, We reached a unison crescendo Merging in a sweet, prolonged accord. And falling in each other's arms We forgot the cold snow's harm, Warmed by our still glowing fires And the glowing embers of the fire.