Howard F. Stein’s most recent poem to appear here was “The Cellist” (November 2018). 

Winter’s Hand

On the South Plains
a winter storm approaches
like a pink hand,
reaching north toward its prey—
the animated weather map,
a horror movie.
Fingers extend northward,
while the back of the hand
follows not far behind.
Waves of freezing rain
will gently wrap ice around
unsuspecting tree limbs
until they slowly sag;
some will snap and fall
from the weight.
Heavy branches will crash into roofs;
trees will topple and crumple cars and trucks.
The city mobilizes its entire fleet of ambulances
to rescue drivers and passengers
who will be crushed in collisions on slick roads.
The icy hand that reaches so far
will arrive at its destination
and take the city for its prize.