Chicago Winter Haiku

1.

boot beaten, wheel whipped--

curb slush of black-tipped meringue

March's melt begins 

2.

sidewalks get swallowed

by the soundlessness of snow

heel clicks and claps, hushed 

3.

brittle bare twig trees 

whisper of a wardrobe change:

floral dresses soon 

4.

icicles at noon

give up drop after bright drop

brace yourself, sidewalk 

5.

tail tucked, head hung low

elevator ride to doom

not all dogs love snow 

6.

quarter-sized snowflakes

sifted from grey cloudshakers 

one would fill a spoon 

7.

pound ice to powder

blow it off your mittened palm

December's pollen

8.

slapping, choppy froth 

someone is shaking the lake 

spilling imminent 

9.

pause in the foyer,

button up against the cold;

revolving doors whoosh

10.

the geese took the park

not even pit bulls go near

let's just surrender 

11.

what are the skies like?

take cinderblocks soaked in milk 

freeze, then thaw. voilà.

12.

bright bits of wool knits

mirrored in the silver bean

just don't lick it, please 

13.

public ice skating:

teetering, staggering crowds;

handful of showoffs 

14.

it comes down to this:

Ear Muffs, Hat, or Hooded Coat

find your team, players