Frozen Tender

Snow drifts down lazily on flowing jets of freezing wind.  The trees shiver and shake against playful squirrels unaffected by the cold.  Human evolution made a big mistake shedding the fur for smooth skin.  But, without mistakes there are no lessons to be learned.  I'm wrapped up like a pig in a blanket with my green soccer scarf concealing my face and grey beanie pulled low creating a narrow slit for my eyes to see the winter scene.  I know her by the red jacket she wears.  It matches her long hair.  We're walking to the gym and I'm nine steps behind her.  I count each one and quicken my pace instinctively.  Now, I'm seven steps behind.  Every red riding hood needs a wolf.  Now, I'm four steps behind.  Inside my soul I'm howling.  I take the lead and hold the door open.  She smiles a sun rise at me that melts the ice I'm slipping on.  Luckily, the scarf hides my stupid bearded grin.  Underneath that red zippered fur, I sketch the lines of her smooth skin behind closed eyes while blinking away my monstrous thoughts.  I've got hungry eyes for this stranger but she's not a snack.  I feel so fucking conflicted.