Freezer Burn

One: Freeze
John Franklin’s bones are laced
with lead and ice. In the frozen
jaws of the Northwest Passage
he lies waiting for the thaw.

Two: Burn
By the brown Indus a farmer
burns a pile of rice stalks.
Smoke dims the brilliance
of the Himalayan snowfields.

Three: Melt
Jewels, makeup, black tuxedos,
laughter, glasses of champagne.
In a sparkling swirl of bubbles
carbon dioxide kisses melting ice.


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