94. Beloved (Myshkin, 2020) · free verse

I saw her once again today; She’s wearing a white gown, The Earthy one who steals our hearts And takes her love to town. Some locks are turning golden blonde, The rest are evergreen. Most of her suitors, in this cold, Are nowhere to be seen. The rest, who winter brave, are blocked From climbing to her lips. Still dazed by grace we can’t conceive, We dance around her hips. The winter brings her fires out— Tempestuous as hell, Though true eruptions haven’t been A thing for quite a spell. Capricious for ten thousand years. Though no young maid is she, Hard body and four perky breasts She proudly lets us see. I fell for her, adore her now And always will, it seems— Beloved Shasta, queen of ice, The mistress of my dreams.