First Days in Winter

White vapor cascades down
the frosted windowpane.

The tingling shower heat
on my neck. The forked veins
on my left hand, the brown mole
below my sternum, my chest still
baring the same three struggling hairs
around my n****e, feet still below me.

I'm still human--
a little less white now. Less flat, temporary.
Light from the winter skies enters the bathroom
striking off the cold porcelain onto my skin.

Author's Note

Winter drains the life out of everybody - was trying to do that here...