By Alcuin Edwards
Winter came and with her the long nights, cold and grim
The lake froze over but the ice was often thin
Though safer far enough to call you to the dance
Winter wore encouraging smiles and dark romance
She kissed goodnight the coughs of old men with their friends
But you she called with a smile and led by the hand
And whispered bells and carols and death by drowning
You saw yourself in the mirror, such a strong man
Dreamed with joy of all the races you already ran
Never understanding that there are fights you can't win
Pumped up with pride or some other such deadly sin
She wrestled you down between those cold liquid sheets
Loves you young and strong and ignorant of defeat.
Then whispers bells and carols and death by drowning