Winter Ice

Tree branches snap when the rain
begins to freeze,
tearing down power lines,
and leaving us all in the dark.

Empty aisles from lack of supplies,
unexpected changes can cause
people to lose their minds.

Drivers grit their teeth and forget
to breathe as brakes lock up on icy streets.
Small children laughing and suspended
against the back seats.

Hot tea clutched and close to lips,
staring out of a third floor sliding door.
The sky glowed orange at night
from outlying neighborhoods
with working street lights.