Archive of New Mexico Poetry – Ann-Marie Oskolkoff

Hypothermic

He wonders where that scent goes. The smell of the bakery
that always settles in her hair. Then she steps out of the shower,
bringing roses into their bed chamber. Behind shut lids he can see
the bouquet: blushing shy pinks, concealing petals of provoking
crimson.

Startled when her nightly
ritual is interrupted.

He listens to a tear slide down his cheek,
and to his breath
the sound of a feather brushing against a violin string.

He looks for a diamond in the snow.

About the Poet
Ann-Marie Oskolkoff (Chugach Alutiiq) is a recent graduate of the creative writing program at the Institute of American Indian Arts. She is transferring to Western Washington University to pursue her B.A. degree.