exposure to the elements

winter was long.

it stretched around my neck

coiled like a telephone cord

tangled, like always.

you can't hide in the summer

like folks do 

when

it's cold

beneath hooded caves

and layers of secrecy.

hot weather is all kinds of 

naked flesh

damp and unaware.

the first few weeks 

are perhaps

a 'lil bit shy

pale legged

peppered with 

red nicks on ankles

new razor, rusty hands

remembering how

to tend

familiar skinscape

another year

old.