Political Delight

blasts of artic air sweep downward
into the southern valley,
an explosion of cold filters its
way through the smokies,
premature plants suffer the worst
unprotected and open...
caught off guard children
huddle together outside, normally
maintaining their distance
from those not similar...
miles of water streams freeze
along their banks while fish
sink to the bottom of ponds,
smoke from chimneys blow
trails southward in the sky,
signals hikers beware.
moods inside are somber,
wrapped up in sweaters and a
few blankets not packed away,
those without heat stay in bed
while others feed animals with
thermal undies worn tight...
a year to be remembered for 
more than just political delight.

February 16, 2025