I am an ice cube
cold
becoming colder
unfeeling
chilled to the bone
ice queen
icicles for tears
frozen heart
skate away from commitment
This frigid stance
won’t allow any hurt any pain
each layer of chilly precipitation
hardens my outer shell
protects from slings and arrows
hurled my way
ice water flows through my veins
I remain permafrost
rigid
firm in my resolve
unbending
Until the sun comes out
slow melt begins
gentle thaw
unconscious at first
rounding sharp edges of my frame
alarming me as my awareness takes hold
of this uninvited turn of events
I stay rooted to the spot
holding fast to old hurts
old stories
a glacial chunk meant to withstand
the test of time
Until the thaw spreads
through my solid core;
I finally crack
warmth seeps in
dissolving the cube I’ve become
leaving a puddle
in its wake
ScribbleDartsfromtheHeart 
You have written a poem using a consistent and vivid metaphor. Your poem contains familiar phrases (e.g. “chilled to the bone”, “ice queen,” & “holding fast to old hurts”) and some lovely, fresh images: “I remain permafrost….” and “rounding sharp edges of my frame” and “a glacial chunk….” By the time I got to your last stanza, your words “I finally crack” made me instantly recall the sound of ice when it cracks! What I mean is that your simple words gave me a shock. Your whole poem made me think of the ice within me. Thank you for this poem, Mary.
You are welcome; though I see only warmth in you, Meghan š
You are very kind, Mary. Thank you for your compliment.
I really love your line “I remain permafrost” – gorgeous!