The block of ice
\nsits a bit defiantly
\non the cold wooden table
\nin this cold room
\nawaiting the soul-giving
\ncaress of my chisel.
\nIt is airless, clear as crystal
\nspecially cast for ice sculpture.
\nNone of the flaws we used to have
\nthat could break your heart as easily
\nas a wing or a finger.<\/p>\n
From blocks like this
\nI have released
\ndelicate hollow swans
\ngolden with champagne.
\nSuch ice has graced palaces
\nand hotel ballrooms
\nand seaboard cruise ships
\nand other noble fantasies.<\/p>\n
Such ice I have carved into
\nelves and fairies and princesses
\ncrystal coaches thrones
\nflying geese and prides of lions
\nheraldry beauty mythology
\nand corporate logos.<\/p>\n
Such temporary art is
\nfor sale for a price
\nso many dollars for
\na flight of ice<\/p>\n
I raise my chisel
\nmy magic wand
\nfor the first cut
\nthat will carve away the excess
\nand leave the angel
\nalready alive in the ice
\nbefore I start.<\/p>\n
Every beginning is a compromise:
\nartistic vision is the start
\nmelting is the end
\nand between
\nmissed cuts mean broken wings
\nbut this ice
\nwon’t break your heart.<\/p>\n
I shall begin soon;
\nmaybe this chisel needs
\na little stropping
\non the leather of my boot . . . .<\/p>\n
Is there room for a wing here?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The block of ice sits a bit defiantly on the cold wooden table in this cold room awaiting the soul-giving caress of my chisel. It is airless, clear as crystal specially cast for ice sculpture. None of the flaws we … Continue reading