Palimpsest

Approach with caution!

This ice is thin

And rushing waters swirl beneath

My deceptive surface.

This ice, once much thicker

And able to bear the weight

Of winter’s burden and yours,

Is under siege.

The sun above, the water below,

This solitary bridge remains,

Yet, it is mine

And all that I have.

I will defend it.

So now, take care.

A tap, a touch, a careless step

Will break this fragile arch asunder

To fall like so many Dalton figurines

Carelessly brushed to the ground

A shower of shattered porcelain,

Arms and legs akimbo,

And plunge us all to watery graves.

Cracks spider their way

Across my face and hands

Victims to the march of time

And give fair warning

That which once was

Is no longer.

If you think to trust it,

Then be forewarned.

It is old and frail

And likely to break.

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