Bridge may be icy, or not.
Its reputation for iciness is renowned
but don’t get your hopes up
if you’re an ice aficionado
and its slipperiness is nil.

I know some guys. We could
buy out all the bagged ice
at 7-11 and dump it on the crest
of the bridge, if that
would make you happy. But if

you’re addicted to ice, instead
me and the same guys
will convene an intervention,
calling in friends and family
to help wean you off

of the harder stuff—icicles,
hail, icebergs—the Titanic sinkers
and skate pond tricksters, looking
oh so smooth, safe or weight-
bearing to those unschooled

in the ways of the fifteen
known solid phases of water.

————

Larry O. Dean was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. His numerous books include Brief Nudity (2013), Basic Cable Couplets (2012), abbrev (2011), About the Author (2011), and I Am Spam (2004). He is also an acclaimed songwriter whose latest solo album, Good Grief, is due this year, along with the sophomore album from his band, The Injured Parties. For more info, go to larryodean.com.

(Art by Dmitry Samarov)