ethan and mattie.

Evergreen and laundry,

scents I’ve tied you to.

Clean, fresh-the

first snow of the season.

The flakes float down and

land on our heads, huddled

and making dragon’s breath.

Our scarves are wrapped tightly

and we’re wearing dull

winter coats; never looking

more radiant.

My hands are chapped, but

it doesn’t matter because yours

are calloused from hard work.

We are Ethan and Mattie.

Both coy and shy, yet we are

simultaneously lit

and burning, melting the snow

as it makes a final, futile effort to stick.