Breakup in the Northern Hemisphere
Poem by: Shirley M. Langton
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Breakup in the Northern Hemisphere
A Sight of Wonder and Danger
Photo byPriscilla Du Preez onUnsplash
In early spring, the melting on the mountain tops
commences its work.
Springs from droplets start to appear from rocky ledges
and flow down to the river below.
Breakup is coming.
Under the layer of frozen ice, the water flows
to its inevitable destination below
with larger tributaries.
This is a sign of spring coming in a flash or
in a slower conversion
Far north rivers are highways during winter
and unpredictable come spring.
Crossing can be unlikely even deadly.
Becoming a source of freshwater, easily taken.
It is a crystalline source of brilliance with layer upon layer
refracting light, making prisms for sunlight to pass.
The air is bright and clean with humid enhancements.
Large rocks are worn down by steady flow.
Boats can be hung up, and not move.
Dripping water freezes to icicles,
a jagged wonder; destructive to boats,
and unstable to anyone crossing on foot.
The depth of the ice is often unknown and treacherous
without constant testing telling its stability.
The thawing will be fast or slow depending on
changes to weather, winds, and water flow.
There may be flooding of cabins along riverfronts
and large logs and tree branches swept toward shore,
or into oncoming boats, trapped
without notice in the great melt.
Further down, the river the water rises, leaving behind
washed and broken rock which eventually lies bare.
As the spring comes, leaving a bed of large boulders and
smaller stones, a rock collector’s dream.
Small saplings started from drifting seeds grow
inadvertently along the bank as do the bushes
becoming buffalo berries later in the year.
Spring is finally here.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Shirley Langton 2020
Submitted: November 25, 2020
© Copyright 2021 Shirley M. Langton. All rights reserved.
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