Winterlude on the River

by Cristina M. R. Norcross

The warm scent of fried dough,
decorated with cinnamon sugar
and squeezed lemon juice,
fills the air.

Frozen water artwork,
laced with lines of ice skate markings,
appears on the Ottawa River.

Winterlude comes to a close,
as intricate ice sculptures of eagles and bears
start to morph and melt.
The big collection and clearing begins –
forgotten, sticky squares of wax paper
and hot chocolate drips,
still clinging to paper cups.