Ice

The ice I saw as beautiful
now breaks beneath my toes.
It's patterns follow no destined path
it knows not where it goes.
This landscape I once saw before
as a peaceful world of old
now seems so closing, so constricted
has me gasping in it's hold.
The river I had tried to cross
while frozen in winter's breath
now has thawed so unforseen
had me glimpse my very death.

So i'll wait in this web of creases that the ice has sent from me
I'm scared to move I'm scared to fall, I'm scared of what i'll see
I haven't touched the river's edge, I dare not move my gaze
From my place, this trap, frozen paradise
Caught in winter's haze.

I could cry out, I could dash in haste
but i'd risk so very much
I'd rather keep the ice intact,
keep it close to touch.
It's cracked and broken, bends and creaks
as I shift my weight and lean
I realize the ice is fragile, though
stronger than it seems
Still creases groan, I feel the strain
I cause with every step
I pause and wait, I dare not move
not now, not ever, not yet.


I will stand and hope the cold
may help you freeze again.
Or should it warm and spring does come,
I pray that I might swim.
Oh, hold me ice, let me stay
So I may trust your frozen ledge
Each minute that you keep me up
Is one closer to river's edge.
A crack and a crease aren't much in ice
though they deem me scared and wary
They let me know now, just how much
The ice is willing to carry.