a hold is ready for pickup

a Sunday afternoon
+ a hold ready for pick up at the library
= 1.5 mile winter walk

the knee high snow tests the heart rate
pause
the discomfort slackens
the indignity subsides
the determination resurfaces

scoops of tossed snow mark hand shoveled sidewalks
icy brown-tinged mounds line the street
rigid footprints, 5 inches deep, punch a tricky path

the soil and crystal “flurry” that emerges when snow ages
the slick spot that bides its time for the footfall with too much confidence
the muddy puddle at the intersection where the sun briefly reasserts its heat

as I make my way out of my neighborhood
across a divided intersection—requiring 2 traffic cycles which includes a stop on the median
down a street I’ve traversed at a different time in 80 degree heat

with eyes adjusting to the inside light
I locate the hold
scan my card and book

reverse my steps with less zeal for the winter weather “black diamond” challenge
I take to the shoulder, calculating the reduced risk in the context of Sunday traffic
gratified by the footprints from my trek to the library 30 minutes before

contented to admire them strolling unimpeded on a paved surface