in Deep Snow
During a Blizzard
Wearing Sneakers
by Nori Odoi
First observe:
That you have decided to do this
That the depth of snow varies
sometimes to your ankles
sometimes to your knees
sometimes to your hip
That there is an icy crust
sometimes it will hold you
sometimes it won’t
Sometimes it will hold you for a moment then break
That you can’t tell these things by looking
But only by taking a step
That you have decided to do this
When you look at your sneakers
See them transform into snowshoes
tight webs of sinew and ash
snow floating shoes
like the Hurons wove
Splay your toes wide
step forth broadly
step forth briskly
Fool the snow
Walk quickly so the crust will not collapse
But not so quickly you fall
Sometimes you will sink to your thigh
When this happens
do not fear
do not curse
be grateful for the moment
Breathe deeply and close your eyes
feel wind embrace you
feel crystal kisses covering your face
smell the purity snow brings
Then lift yourself and begin again
Do not look at your feet
Let them find their own path
Look forward, notice everything
See the twisted ruins of fern
how deep are they buried?
See the tangled knots of brush
can they support you?
See the snow hollows ringing trees
is there a surer way?
Let your eyes seek out your course
do not miss the silent guides
Do not miss the beauty
When you emerge, look back a moment
Breathe deeply
Give thanks for your journey
Let your laughter blow wildly with the wind
Then turn to the rest of your life
First observe:
That you have decided to do this
That life is sometimes shallow, sometimes deep
that you cannot tell this by looking
but only by taking a step
Let your laughter blow wildly with the wind
breathe deeply
give thanks
Do not miss the beauty
New England Memories 