"Ounces"

quivering like a leaf
in the snow
white cascading over the road
stomach churning
chest raining blood
eyes staring down

there's nothing in this snow
just flakes covering my shoes
soaking through
freezing my toes
blackening my soul
thoughts knowing


collection of nothing
filled with everything
dripping red
drops on the rubber white
numb pain from cold
breathing static and heavy

sun beaming through the clouds
hands warming up my cheeks
a smile
silent whispering in my ears
I nod
and continue walking on

though he wasn't there when it happened
but he's here now
to make sure it doesn't happen again
he's watching
so I don't fall apart
he's keeping me together

he gives me ounces
ounces of memory
and ounces of hope
ounces of love
and ounces of determination
in return I give him belief