Back to the Icebox

Because that is my home,
Where I know myself best:
In the frigid rigidity
Of the chiller chest,
Down in the lightless
And soundless deeps,
Insulated from
The commonbirds' peeps.
Amid fellow snowmen
And icicle-peers
I rule with a scepter
Of frozen tears.
Here is a riddle,
Here is a knot:
What melts from inside,
From a core that is hot?
I've pointed to gateways,
I've handed out keys,
Yet no one comes knocking,
No snoops brave the freeze.
So this is my fortress,
Impregnable keep,
And doubly a haven
When I fall asleep.