deep Freeze December 2017 Poem by Matthew Harris

(Hoop this brings a chill
tuff mind over matter tuff full fill
careful to avoid drowning delicate gill)

No doubt an Eskimo fabulous Asia breeze
feeling in their element with style, elan
while snacking (with Wallace and Grommet)
on crackers and cheese

this spate of bitter cold doth not seem to ease
as Arctic air blast (oh riff you prefer Polar Vortex)
submerged much of the nation
in what feels like absolute zero,

and no matter the appellation,
the outdoors analogous to being in a deep freeze
brings state of emergency (designated as Code Blue
from drain on bare necessities sans:
energy, food, general habiliments

unable to traverse frozen waterways
obstructing tankers access
to key shipyards, thus imposing
engines of society (Mother Nature decreed
harshly lashed pact with ole man winter)

asper bitter cold temperatures
gripping sizable chunk of United States,
where one step outside induces chattering class
to shiver from hypothermia,

and scant number of minutes will witness rigor mortis
evinced by knocked knees
whereat authoritative figures strongly advise
(nee require)every person to stay home

lest (if heedless)within seconds
their body electric will seize
from unseen large area of low pressure
and cold air surrounds both of Earth's poles

chastising anyone foolish enough
to risk life or limb, thus take a page
from hibernating bears playbook,
and stay under warm covers
collecting countless z's!