Winter's Rose, monologue version

I love the way the trees look in the winter- They're naked. They've let go of all their beautiful leaves, and are showing us their bare self. Like they're proud of who they are under their skin. I envy them... I love the winter. We get to cover up our fragile, mortal bodies in beautiful, warm clothes. We deny mother nature when she wants to chill us to our cores. And then just for another cold-hearted laugh at her; we huddle up to fires we've built in the snow.

Maybe... maybe I just like taking time to embrace my surroundings, like it's the last time I'll see them. I hope it's not.

I think I don't want spring to come. I want this winter to last forever. I want to sit by this fire forever and just love what's around me. Because I might not ever see it again. You say with certainty that I will, but father time is hard to read. Nothing is certain, except right now. That's why I don't want this moment to end. I know where I am, I know who I am, I know I have someone who loves me inches away from me, and I know I love him too.

And this fire... this fire is here, right now. Time will take its toll, but for now it's warm and inviting. So I'll stay here for now, with you.

"and when the fire dies, stay with me. Take my hand and feel the heat, our frozen souls set free."