Ice

  contemplating a half frozen lake
   a deliciiously simple demarcation,
     in an arc of here and there,
       but perilous even to consider. . .
  wondering where to step,
    and whether to trust the instincts
       of two hundred lost geese--
         balancing weight and fear. . .
   footprints grin with permanence,
     at least until the next warmth--
       risking an icy plunge
        for a shot at gliding free

  Richard--January 27, 2000