ice storm on the solstice

       black out

the silence of habit denied

only a kitchen device sobs

out its dying batteries.

the rest is dark uncertainty

in three days Emmanuel comes

by that time the meat in the freezer

will be thawed, the ice cream

sweet liquid.

He’ll light candles and speak plainly

of his journey.

As we listen our hearts will question,

“Yes, but what about the power?”