I see a pond in winter
frozen white,
surrounded by rushes,
bearing the weight of blades and children
who make ice dust as they skate
and peal with laughter when they fall.

Last February is the only February
in New York City's weather history
snow did not fall.

The barricades warning of thin ice
on the pond in Central Park
sit on the banks unused.

I see a pond in winter
frozen white.



			Brandywine
			3/2/98