Contingency

The storm was incredible.
It covered the world in ice
And missed none of the details.

Every tree branch capable
Of carrying so much weight
Was encased to the last twig.

The weather vane, the school bell,
The railings, the flower beds,
The boots left outside the door,

That carton of stolen milk
Placed out on the windowsill—
Everything out to the edge,

Everything close to the touch,
Wore its own jacket of ice.
The headmaster decided

The frail boy should stay inside.
While being held out of class,
He stared all day at rainbows

Shattering into the snow.
That was the week he started
To fall way behind in math.