white birds of freedom

subsidence and snow
could take me down to the
half frozen stream,
and no one would hear me scream
in this wilderness -
except that I would take you with me,
since your hand is outstretched
always ready to help.

here in secretive white, i sink
and arrive nowhere fast
but the solitary act is
excellent as mental exercise.
i remind myself, cautious,
to concentrate on my own trainers,
feet firmly on the path before
and one eye on the water.

the black choppy reservoir
peaks and troughs
like the top of the trifle
i half-made yesterday,
and white birds bob unsteadily
or perch on the outermost edge
with heads turned
imperiously away.