North Wind

Have you ever been charmed by the north wind blowing
as he rushes from the white mountain that's snowing?
Have you ever felt the tingle of his fingers on your face
as he gathers you into his icy embrace?
And the exciting exhileration of his frigid kiss
as it sweeps a numbness across your lips?
He speaks to all with a piercing clarity
and his snow flilled breath shows no charity.

But the harsh north wind has fewer lovers
than his warmer, softer, south seas brothers.
And when he whispers to you, it's cold and rough;
he makes young skin become hard and tough.
He makes no promises that he cannot keep.
He doesn't hum softly to lull you to sleep.
When you live in his world, you must expect
to follow his rules and show him respect.
He's short of patience and is never forgiving;
his icy stare freezes all, dead and living.

It is quite easy to fall in love with him though
as you walk through the flurry of new falling snow.
He rewards you with freedom and enlivens you there
while your breath turns to crystal in the frosty air.
His world is so white like a bright Christmas card
disguising the reality that his way can be hard.
But the pleasure he'll give wont match what he'll take,
just as a sunny beach can't outshine an ice-covered lake.
One day you'll be old and see your mistake;
you'll yearn for the tropical sun but alas, it's too late.

MIMLIVIII