Sola Invicta

The bus shelter glass was
opaque with frost; white fern-frond shapes
enameled the blue metal phone box.
My boot soles squeaked
on the sidewalk. Polygonal films of ice
creaked and cracked.

Orange banners of cloud waved up
from the unseen horizon, like fronds of kelp
anchored to a distant rock. Sola Invicta
rode behind them, conquering
armies of frost with one fiery glance.
Now commas of moisture decorate the pavement,

her heel-marks, driven into the world.
I walk in her traces.

Available! High-Voltage Lines, Knocking from Inside