Winter When He Goes

As the sun is to the city

In the endless weeping winter

So is joy to me, and pity

When he leaves me, falsely tender

Like the true love's knot we tethered

Plastic ivy 'round the portal

For to frame the spring forever

Though the blizzard took the mortal holy rose

It's always winter when he goesAs a matter of convenience

We don't speak of dying gardens

As a woman of heart and lenience

I make liberal with my pardons

I am generous with kindness

He, with smiles and exultations

Though he binds his wounds in silence

I my own in practiced patience, lest he know

It's always winter when he goesHe collects the twigs and briars

I stack them up for fire

But it's chilly for the burningHe slumbers in the straw

I hold out for the thaw

But the seasons won't be turning