Rounding the Strelka of Vassilievsky Island
for Dorothy Bednarowska
Late Spring. A clear night’s weathering
Frost. Yesterday’s rain, a clear glass
Jigsaw of jagged ice melting
On sunk sidewalks, gutters, and grass.
My foot taps and cracks an ice sheet.
A mud puddle’s stained glass window
Is set afloat. Its air bubbles
Are broad and spread out to escape.
Their faces press against the glass
Without fogging it with their breath,
Though the pressure distorts their heads
Until their cheeks squeeze shut their eyes.
My eyes have to squint at the glare
When the sun presses against them
Creating unease and tension
Between my eyes and those faces.
On sidewalks and corners of grass
I’m hard pressed by faces the glass
Distorts, abruptly open eyes
Somewhat puzzled without looking cold.
Page(s) 73
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