The scent of balsam
waltzes around the room
and lingers in my nose

It takes me back
to snowflake kisses
tight embraces
infectious smiles
and laughter

That day was real,
I remember

But before long,
selfishness infected us

Evil did not require an invitation
But like a thief happens upon an open door,
he came in
       stole
          and left us

Before we knew what happened,
we tried to mend the hurt we caused one another

Eventually we decided
we were no longer worth fighting for

But I will always remember
That snowy December
when our hearts were full with life and love
for each other