Icicles
Eric Bonholtzer
The winter night warms even the most frozen heart
In this place
Slow methodical rhythmic drip of icicles losing their cool
falling to be recaptured
As they tumble gently from frosty window sills
They laugh as they hear the shrill sound of children's joy
Caught by the wind and brought home
As the first thaw heralds a new day of spring approaching
Taking with it the last sled as children tumble amid trees,
Lining their soles against the inclement icy thaw of cold
With care to keep warm, as excitement fills even the sky
Those who do not smile wave at this time
Bringing a priceless present and a moment of levity
As the winter night lifts even the most frozen heart
In this time
To the slow rhythmic beat of icicles bleating their crescendo
All seeming rhythmically in tune
Alight, in their eyes they grin
what they will one day become with blankets clinched tight for warmth
Waiting for a loving hand to reach out
And touch
And bring them home
To this place
But they are carefree, restless, and even a bit precocious, the observant ones
As they catch a glimpse of the elders by the road waving with their lightened smiles
As they too are grateful for the moment
And enjoy it
Because the thaw always approaches
and is quick in coming
heralding the approach
of another pace
