Ice
January’s cold hardens
behind a north wind,
fixing ice in patches
to street and curb.
People, their minds
on more important things
than the moment,
pay no mind until
friction fails them.
Footing’s sudden loss
pulls them present,
arms hauling air for balance.
They slide on in a heel-heavy,
bent-kneed way,
scanning for slick spots,
thoughts of elsewhere
and else-when gone.
Ice is such a teacher.