First in Winter

(Inspired by the opening line from DRYAD by Seán Hewitt)

She was covered in snow when I saw her
crystalised eyes reflecting life back at me

frozen in winter and stillness of time
flurries settled serenely adorning her crown

solid shimmering vision captivated my soul
harsh reality softened, beautiful to behold

crimson seeped into white emptying life
I watched as the light faded leaving darkness behind

my first glimpse of death childish wonder refined
I still think of her often, picture-perfect til the end.