Kelsey Hennegen, "I Shrug Into You Like a Winter" (poem, Pushcart Prize Nominee 2021)

KELSEY HENNEGEN | I SHRUG INTO YOU LIKE A WINTER

I shrug into you like a winter coat fished from its bin

under my bed when the flush of summer fades

lonely winds soon to lash my arms thread the sleeves

shoulders edge as I settle into you familiar like you remember

my body I zip clear up to my chin I could love you

though I’m not sure I buy into all that it’s more

that I’ve frozen before your care drapes over me snug

and sure how could I go it alone you’re right here and ready—

heavy bones a nervous heart kind hands and your belief

in me I knit my limbs through yours make a knot of us

against the storms let’s leave the questions for spring