Split skin, pocked concrete

Salted landscapes, strained wallets

Brown branches now faded to gray

All life seeks shelter

Days devoid of the sun's face

Long nights under darkened skies

Windows and doors shuttered

The chill in the air refuses to yield

Bursts of frozen breath linger like fog

Yet dormant seeds dream

Water flows beneath icy sheets

Land lies fallow, absorbing nutrients

Decay becomes fertilizer

Fresh snow creates a living snow globe

Fiery hearths warm frigid bones

Closed hearts melt in holiday cheer

Memories are made, love is found

And one season passes to the next.

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