#NewThisDay Writing From My Photo Stream

Morning Brook

We couldn’t break the glass in our windows, of course. But, outside, when it was cold but had not yet snowed, we could wildly smash up all the plates of ice glass we wished and not get in trouble with our parents at all. The brook was like glass this morning, sheets and perfect unmarred sheets of fine, crystal clear glass. In the overflowing brook, I slid on my boots, skating across the glistening, stopping for photos. I tried hard not to break through, and the ice was just strong enough to hold me. Pretty soon I grew so cold I had to move and walked on through the woods but I couldn’t warm up. Even so, it was a lovely morning to wander and I climbed the hill to King Philip’s Overlook and looked down on the meadow and river. Tonight was a party. An office party. My husband has a local client, and for the third year in a row he’s asked me to join him at this holiday party. I don’t know anyone. It’s a biotech firm producing cancer drugs. A lot of scientists. Very friendly and nice, but still. Lots of small talk and standing. Introvert that I am, I tire quickly. The food was excellent, and our table filled with friendly faces, scientists, as I said. I was ready to go, waiting for my chance to nudge my husband. But then another spouse, a lovely woman, about my age, sitting next to her husband with a sparkling smile turned out to be a poet too. Another poet at the biotech firm Christmas party! She quickly sat beside me and we talked about our writing lives, and of course, this made the whole night worthwhile. We exchanged contacts, and I know we will meet again. She has published a book of poetry about her son who has special needs, and I will look it up tomorrow and buy it. I knew it would be a special night. Fancy dress, handsome husband, new poetry friend. And all the ice on the brook unsmashed.