Before the Battle

Black silk, 

Smoothing fingers. 

My hair, falling around my shoulders. 

Snowflakes drop in the winter air. 

Icicles hang from rooftops, 

Children sing on every corner. 

Roses, red as blood. 

Water, running thick. 

Eyeliner so carefully applied, 

Edges sharp enough to cut glass. 

Pearls in hanging strands, 

Suspended above my heart. 

Earrings that match. 

Battle ready: 

A war. 

The game is on.