Love Poem: Winter of the Heart
Frances Schiavina Avatar
Written by: Frances Schiavina

Winter of the Heart

Bruised and beaten
on the ground
could have moved on
stopped 
picked up your heart
lonesome flower
arms moved 
by compassion
cradling it
with ocean winds
of the Spirit
thinking 
would be all mine 
dancing for a while
in walled sunlight
two hearts 
synchronized
in amorous delight
feasting on glances
of unending desires
whispering to veins
happiness
then like a bud 
opening in secret
beating of wings
in silence of night
departing
jolt to love dream 
ecstasy
in stupor yawning 
magpie needed to fly
it’s winter now
only for one heart 
arms outstretched  
waiting for gratitude 
to cross bridge
at the return of violets
in spring.

Fifth Place Winner: Brian Strand-Contest 1292-3/7/24
First Place Winner: Brian Strand-All Yours-2/9/21
Sixth Place: Faraz Ajmal-Abandon II -7/25/18