Destruction beckons, waves a downy wing, Her breezy voice a whisper: "Come and play!" Within, I huddle, flames emblazoning The walls that keep the bitter cold away. A Southern California boy should stay Where warmth and sunshine rule as queen and king. Attractive prices led me far astray: Destruction beckons, waves a downy wing. Amongst the snowy fields, the spirits sing With one, a sort of white and cloudy jay, Adopting me, I guess, unwavering, Her breezy voice a whisper: "Come and play!" She taps the window, moonlight bright as day, Chiaroscuro loveliness to bring Delight to any eye that isn't clay. Within, I huddle, flames emblazoning, Surrounded, steeped, the heat enveloping My shaking self. I watch with stark dismay The icy wind continue buffeting The walls that keep the bitter cold away. Between us lies a gulf, a vast array Of words. It's "brisk" to [i]her[/i]; to [i]me[/i], it's "sting." She loves a winter night. I can't convey The pain of frozen blood. Until the spring, Destruction beckons...