Snowmelt

Lying on my side in bed before I fall asleep
I write on my right thigh:
my eyes melting into sleep
& Billy Collins melting into
a dream I haven't had yet
ice into water
tea bleeding
I look forward to 
being a hellraiser

I dream my cold hands,
that I bury my hands in my thighs for warmth but the ink on my leg freezes
my old employer the doctor lets me press my fingertips
to her forehead to feel my temperature
and duly concerned
opens books all over the floor
full of worry and greed to know what I won't tell her.