the sun peeks out from behind the clouds
as you shuffle down the same path trodden yesterday
wilted snow-covered grass lies flat
imprinted with lines from your heavy step
uneven footsteps trail
from your unsteady gait

sunlight shimmers on freshly melted dew-droplets
scattered on every blade
reflecting the days’ initial promises of spring
the beauty of the day
just out of focus

as you reach the edge of the path
where the sunlight glares off the frozen pond
and hits you in the eyes unkindly
you wipe the slush from your boots
and gaze across the white landscape

you trudge along
toward the line of old pine trees
with plans to reminisce
in solitude
I suppose

the ice crunches under your heavy step and you look down numbly
observing the cracks

the wind picks up
sweeping across the pond and gently presses against your chest
whispering resistance
you look ahead and see the trees, promising solitary release
and you lean into the challenge

the cracks stretch further
each time you
stumble on the thin ice
the wind howls through the trees ahead
and a girl’s voice echoes softly in the distance

Dad

crack
you trudge on
motivated by the burning in your belly
and the ringing in your ears
your fist grips your only friend
and the trees whisper their welcome

Crack

the girls voice lingers on the wind

Dad

crack
your favorite spot is so near now
crack
the ice begins to split
and you shuffle quickly
fear quickening your step
Spring
warning against your predictability  

one big leap and you’ll be at the tree line
you hear a girls sharp cry in the distance
and turn to look
and as you rub your weary eyes at the sight
the girl sharply disappears
gone

glass shatters at your feet
cracking the ice under you

Solitude