Ice

Yesterday it snowed, then rained and then froze. This left the entire area covered in thick sheets of ice, which could not be thawed by the below-freezing temperatures which have persisted. A minuscule ice age. The lessons of ice are many. Ice, unlike snow, cannot be shoveled. Ice, unlike water, cannot be diverted or drained. Ice is a very tricky walking or driving surface. It is unforgiving. Not only will it gladly steer your center of gravity to the ground, it will also resist your muscles and bones when they land with impact. This hurts and can damage. Ice, unlike wind-swept snow or shimmering pools of water, is not particularly attractive atop cement and asphalt. The science of ice dictates patience. The patience leads to reflection. The reflection leads to acceptance of the power of ice over one's habits and routines. Perhaps ice can be likened to disabling illness. Perhaps dealing with an ice storm can bring all of us closer to understanding the terribly ill, whose illnesses paralyze, hobble and inconvenience. The truth of ice, along with the science of ice, deepen my understanding of my outer and inner universes.