Crack-crack, step-step.
We just misstepped.
I see reflection in the ice:
it's me, and them, and all of us.

Crack-crack, step-step.
We weigh too much.
I see ballast on the ice.
Not me! It's them, or none of us.

Crack-crack, step-step.
We push them... hard!
We might survive the storm—
just us! Not them! Stay quiet...

Crack-crack, step-step.
We just misstepped.
It's dark, and cold, and wet.

Anastasia Tara

March 7, 2024