“as the ground begins to frost”

esso

as the ground begins to frost 

we snuggle in heavier cloth 

to live out shortbread days 

laden in chocolate, lavender & cedar-smoke 

hugging hooded hours 

to soothe broken & healing layers

warm our hands by the fire

    —holding safe—

as a crackling back-up singer

burgeons 

creases intersecting 

steely gaze & the blue-flame of fiery humor 

belting the lead

cackles fill—growing darkness 

heating our toes from the inside

& we'll tear-open

midnight's invitation

to keep splitting peas & hairs

      over who gets the last piece of chocolate 

  & the next kiss

More from esso ↓

• @esso_overflow on Instagram
• @essooverflow on Substack
• Her book, when the moon calls, is out now. It features poetry she wrote during the new and full moons. If you feel inspired while reading, esso has left pages at the back so you can add your own poem for each prompt.
• Listen to me read "the earth whispered to me" by esso on Instagram @rembrandts.cure