Over the apartment balcony

the frozen lake sparkles.

In the sunlight

ripples of water cease,

like the stillness of hanging curtains.

Ducks curl,

huddle stiff as statues

beneath bending willows

Black cattails

battered by breezes

fold in the cold

Inside people cook,

steamy soup simmers

we stay warm,

read under soft blankets

by the sizzling fire.

We wait for spring

green fingers to surprise.

Then     we’ll begin our ritual walk

around the swaying lake.