Molly Frederick’s most recent poem to appear here was “Detainments” (September 2017)

On the Lake
By Molly Frederick

Lozenges of ice nearly cover the lake.
Shining, gleaming—sharp silver-slithered shapes
vie with open water so cold and thick
it’s almost another form of ice.
Gray water slowly laps, before turning brittle.

Emerald-headed drakes stand on drifting platforms
of ice. Other ducks, tawny and brown, swim
cheerfully in the gelid waters.
Each duck samples both settings.
Moving from one surface to another; each duck
accomplishes with ease what we cannot.
Each moves without changing clothes
or making elaborate plans.
One leap, one glide—the shift is made.

To own such freedom, such quickly chosen shedding
of encumbrance, reminds us of liberty, yes; but
also, unsettlingly, of life’s terminal moment,
which, unlike this one—once begun—permits
no stepping back.
One is either in, or out.
Then one is out.

As though such minor distinctions matter;
as though the melting would not come anyway.
Water into ice.
Ice and water.
Small sleek creatures explore and enjoy them both,
while I look on in fascination.
And cannot stop myself from thinking
of those larger changes coming.