Treading Water in Winter

Words like wildfire, burning me down Stripped bare, only ashes remain Whisper softly, turning me on Stripped bare, only impulse remains I am standing in the center of a frozen lake Waiting for the ice to break I am pushing boulders up a slope that's far too steep Wondering what you've made of me Moving slowly, dragging this out Stripped bare, only seconds remain Holding tightly, clinging to hope Stripped bare, now nothing remains I am standing in the center of a frozen lake Waiting for the ice to break I am pushing boulders up a slope that's far too steep Wondering what you've made of me Fractured, the ice gives way Sinking, water welcomes me I am drowning in the center of a frozen lake Pounding on the ice above I am chasing boulders down a slope that's far too steep Fighting to stay on my feet