Ice Day
By Nadja Maril
As soon as I see the sun
I reach for my coat in the closet.
It is time to walk
On this ice day.
Frozen bits melt into drops
Slide down gutters, pipes, trees
Plop on to the cold wet mush we once called snow.
I match my steps to my dog’s wet prints on the asphalt
Keeping her leash firmly taut I choose my path
Carefully inspecting the speckled road and pavement
Remnants of ices to be avoided, clumps of salt
Detours created for the sake of Chloe’s paws.
This is a strange time of year
Transition from Winter into Spring
Cold and wet ooze
Sloppy puddles, chilly mush
I think of snow cones so desirable in summer
Now distasteful as the wind blows briskly on my face.
The sun’s rays warm my armor
Heavy jacket, wool cap and padded gloves
Ultimately arctic blast seeps into my bones
Hastens my return to shelter
Listening to spinning wheels and scraping shovels
I admire the still blue sky from my window.
Nadja Maril, Writer & Author 