for suzanne vega                9-1-91


a journey through winter 
the leaves compressed against 
the shrubs
they freeze themselves
but give protection
in return
in this the season of sacrifices

in your heart/ in your soul 
my dear lady 
you know of the season's 
powers
even though you have 
much of your own
use it for self renewal
during this the season of the dead

you crave the onset of 
a mild and fair spring 
to continue your renewals/ 
the obstacles you see 
will vanish soon enough 
when your vision clears

the first snowflake falls 
heralding a land 
mantled in sleep.

go deeply into it
if that be your desire

and beneath the facade
find the real you.