Hoar Frost and Husky

Author Note: One of winter's beauties is the intricate crystals--called hoarfrost--that form on branches, wires, poles, and other things. Hoarfrost could be called a wintertime cousin to summer's dew. It forms when water vapor in the air contacts solid surfaces that are already below freezing point. Immediately on contact, ice crystals form, and the ice continues to grow as more water vapor is frozen. The Arctic frequently has perfect conditions.

A Pose Poem for the Frosted Challenge

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moonbeams are shuttered by glints of dawn that sparkle off iced birch branches as the mercury rises. muffled whispering snaps and crackles murmur over marshmallow-like mounds of snow as crisp ice bursts open in the warming sunshine. frozen conifer needles, shrubs and branches break loose of hoar frost. the small boy opens the door to release his husky-dog in a still-darkened dawn. mama slips next to her kiddiewink, a steaming mug in hand, one knee resting on the mudroom bench, enjoying his rushed preparation for a frosted dawn adventure. the fragrance of her drink reminds him of hot cocoa and cinnamon toast she will have ready when he returns. he licks his bright red lips, pulling on his navy parka and insulated boots. snugging the plaid mossy-green scarf over his nose, mama kisses his cheek, and they laugh at husky, whose nose is pointed skyward, impatiently waiting for his small charge, howling into the brisk wind, then rolling with legs pointed to the white sky. stars of ice float down onto the dog's fur, and he leaps to his feet, ears and tail alert, hearing the door open, then shakes the snow off as his small friend runs to him. mama smiles, dawn light shimmering from her emerald eyes as she gazes through the kitchen's curtainless window, its pane laced in a frame of frost. her boy throws snowballs in the morning light, and the dog leaps and crunches them in an open, laughing grimace. husky has led her sprout away, singing, as huskies do. singing the kiddo out into the clearing, away from the house and trees. his mom gasps as a sheet of ice cascades from the roof, domino shards crashing to earth. hand flies to her throat and she inhales deeply, relieved that the furry guardian kept her child safe. winter morning silence is broken now by drip, drip, drip of melting ice and snow, and foot and pawprints have etched circles and stars and diamonds in the snow, but the sky is heavy gray, and the unstable air will tease between snow and sleet as the ice melts and later refreezes. the toast pops up, ready to be buttered.

Copyright © 11/29/2024 by Andrea O. Corwin

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