Ice only makes temporary advances on rivers.
The push and pull between freezing water and deep-moving currents
Spreads through the ice-
A pattern of conflict mapped in shifted, flash-frozen waves.
Rotten ice is not always so obvious-
Or so predictable.
There are those that cross the deep-set rivers in complete safety
And those that sink in the backyard pond
Through the solid, still layer of unmoving water.
Stepping out onto the freeze means
Not only knowing the depth and length of the ice
But listening carefully to the heartbeat,
The inexorable pace of still and moving water.
Not all paths are obvious in their safety… or danger.
The intersection of ice and water has been something that has fascinated since I broke through as a child.
For paths of less and more safety, my fantasy novel, The Guests of Honor, is available here. Its sequel, With Honor Intact, can be found here.
Cat Amesbury 