The Pond
I awoke this morning to a glistening snow-crested and beautiful view of the pasture across the road. During the late afternoon yesterday, a cold front blew in and with it, delivered first, a freezing rain, and then some sleet and finally this fluffy white stuff. During the night, the temperature dipped to near 15º F and consequently everything froze solid, including the pond. Out at the kennel pens, the dogs’ water was a solid circular bowl of ice. With the freezing rain that had fallen, the gates were frozen shut. I had to take a pitcher of hot water to lift them open. The overhead polyethylene covering used for shade and protection had about an inch of ice and would not be moved. Luckily it is braced sufficiently to avoid collapse. However, I must wait until the ice melts to repair any damage. The roads are all iced over, with only a dual rut for tires. There isn’t much traffic around here, it is a very rural area. It is not likely to improve any by tomorrow. So, we are content to enjoy the beautiful views and stay inside where it is warm.
It does give me the opportunity to sit at my computer and write. I have not been very consistent in my writing. I wish I knew the answer to a more regular regimen. In the meantime, I sense a muse and act upon it. Such is the case today. Thus, the poem of the season is the result of that muse.
- The Pond
- The pond, she is a frozen
- The frogs ain’t even leaping
- the duck is stuck in ice,
- and the birds keep loudly peeping.
- They’re peeping ‘cause they’re hungry
- And their feeder’s nearly bare
- They’re glaring in my window
- With such an evil stare.
- these birds ain’t got no patience
- They scratch and scratch and peck
- “we want our food and now”, they chirp,
- They’ve made me just a total wreck.
- The kennel dogs are so afraid to even take a step,
- They’ve not ever seen this much snow.
- so they sniff and sniff and sniff again
- and still can’t find a place to go.
- At least their pens are nice and warm
- So back inside they go.
- And that old duck that’s stuck in ice?
- He’s not really real, he’s just there for show.
- Those frogs are still in infant stage
- This cold may stunt their growth
- It may even turn them azure blue
- Or maybe do them both.
- It’s still so very cold outside
- I don’t want to venture there
- The snow’s ‘bout two foot deep
- (well, almost that much…, I swear)
- And those wicked birds, they have worn me down
- So I’m through writing this lament
- I’m filling up their feeder, now
- So they won’t treat me with contempt.
- Okay, okay, I’m coming!
- I think I may need some more bird food.
- I can’t get out today
- The weather just don’t fit my schedule
- Unless I use the sleigh.
- Pete Robertson
- March 2014
rancherwriterpoet 
Holy cow Pete this is unbelievable. You and Jennifer stay warm. This kind of weather is supposed to be here in Upstate NY not in Texas.I enjoyed your writing.Gave a great description what you are seeing and going thru. Be safe , stay warm-you Jennifer and Apollo cuddle-, see that isn’t so bad-LOL and hope good weather is on the horizon. Thanks for the writngs. I love them. And…. GO YANKEES !!!!!
Pete, it’s so great to hear from you! I’m so glad to know that you have a blog! Thanks so much for your encouragement, and for linking up to my blog. Things have been a little crazy over there! 🙂 I have so many great memories of you from Eastland days. I’m pleased that I have the opportunity to follow your blog and your great writing.