by bridge we crossed   above the lake
in the frigid night   of the frost-stars
diode-drenched   downtown neon
looming ahead,   light leaking
an urban aurora   up into the fog
willowing whirls   of wind lit green
sky-rivers running   cyan and red
beneath and so,   necessarily, above

we turn off,   take a footpath
a lakeside walk   to a loving living-room
the lake illuminated   alluring, lapping
mists move   among the waves
urging my eyes   into the arctic-blue
crouching over   the concrete edge
an index finger   in the icy water
my palm slips,   i plunge for a moment
but her hands halt   my heart-stopping fall
my clothes only kinda   cold-soaked wet
the last of the walk   looking forward
to clean dresses   and a clothes dryer
and a mug of tea,   or maybe hot chocolate