emerging cowls from densifying

mists, hanging around featureless faces.

instantly recognizable strangers

of pain, walking barefoot on snow.

leaving footprints that stalk that

downy white straight to the hearth.

givers and bearers of all its variety--

shattering circulations of its lifeblood,

cold to the touch.

they come for those whom they come--

without exception, and are known for

all that they are.