In the winter
snow binds my mouth
but not my feet.
I walk for miles through the snow
reveling in the hush it casts over us
finally peace
finally escape.

In the winter
snow binds my mouth
but not my feet
I cannot speak, for then the hush
would be broken
the peace
the escape
broken.

In the winter,
mice skitter across our garage floor
you know, where the dog food is.
They have no place to go, but they do not squeak
for snow has bound their mouths
not their feet.

In the winter
my dogs come in with bleeding paws
ice has cut into their calluses
their voices are soft and meek
for snow has bound their mouths
not their feet.

In the winter,
You are weak
for snow will never
let you speak.

In the winter,
I am strong
for my feet help me move along.