See You in Winter

See You in Winter

I want to see you in winter,
as the oak and the maple,
now gnarled and vulnerable,
show themselves.

Out from under green leafiness
of sunnier times,
it’s a relief to see your scars next to mine.

I want to love you thoroughly,
which means when you’re unholy,
which means when your beauty’s worn off.

Bare your teeth to me,
show me who you can be
when the door’s closed and the light has gone.

In the longest season,
monochrome backdrop contrasts
your rust, and your deep, rich earth tones.

Underneath frozen topsoil,
let me know you deeper.
I want to see you in winter
when your bones show.