Over black ice on Tilly's Lake

I remember the ice quake, heave, break. You and I thick As black-capped chickadees, Knees quavering at each step beyond the bank. Not at all like the children about Glee-gliding on skates, Practising swallow-like skips And incredible escapes, Over black ice On Tilly's Lake On returning home I remember you shudder against the breeze, Cold, cold, so far from trees, I slid up close, close, closer. Silly sleighbell laughter filling and falling. Sleighbell stillness. How blue the sky! How bracing winter's breath! Over black ice On Tilly's Lake.