1
Red berries glister,
ice bound. We tramp through the snow
laughing at our crunches.
2
Trucks with chains crawl up the slippery road toward Mohonk Mountain House. We ask about the status there:
“No power. No heat, lights, kitchens.”
“Will guests be evacuated?”
“They’re already at the Picnic Lodge.”
Their radios crackle.
“Can’t spare any more trucks. The village’s power’s out.”
3
Bare prismatic trees.
Roy G. Biv on every tip.
Domes with caves of ice!
4
Smoke curls from the fireplaces. The cooking meat tickles my nose. Acrid coffee is boiling. But it’s no picnic for the powerless overnighters. Someone is crying.
Men on ladders knock down icy sheaths encasing wires. Generators cough to life.
5
Our hearts rise up hot
blood pounding with every stride.
Cold crinkling cheeks.
6
Orange blockades stop the fleeing guests.
“You can’t leave and drive down that steep road. The only way out is out. Trees and wires down!
Right now, turn around! You’ll be warm inside.”
7
We doff a layer.
Shards of windblown ice spear down.
Bright snow heats our hearts.
Coda
Two Loves
Lay your body down upon the midnight snow.
Feel the cold of winter in your hair.
There’s something moving free
under the ice, moving… It’s me.
Now I’m alone below the cold of a painted sky
remembering a love that became a lie.
Am I dreaming? Am I dreaming?
Wake me up. I’ll have my say
when the wolves come out to play.
Silver winter’s so cold this year
but you alone are so warm
my wintertime love to be.
Works Cited
“The Cure – Lovesong (Official Music Video) – Youtube.” YouTube, 8 July 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXCKLJGLENs.
“The Doors – Wintertime Love – Youtube.” YouTube, 6 Sept. 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoS9FOu1hmg.
“Genesis – Snowbound – YouTube.” YouTube, 31 Mar. 2011, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqgKiFxeQtg.
“Kate Bush – under Ice – Youtube.” YouTube, 20 May 2008, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCOiidUO1P8.
“Queen – A Winter’s Tale (Official Video) – Youtube.” YouTube, 1 Oct. 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjWQZBmJf6M.
“Snowbound – Donald Fagen – YouTube.” YouTube, 6 Nov. 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MGtr121fFI.
