At 20 below zero
Gliding is almost impossible
on cross-country skis.
Jagged, dry snow crystals
scratch resiliently at the ski base.
It’s like striding
on styrofoam sand.
Wind sears skin.
Breath freezes eyelashes.
Air stings to inhale.
Anything that stands still freezes.
At 20 below zero
Suited up like an astronaut
– thick coat and hat and ski mask and goggles,
gloves and boots and boot covers and socks and socks and more socks –
venturing onto the lunar surface.
At 20 below zero
The 10 kilometer ski trail near our house
takes about twice as long
to complete in the slow-motion of deepest winter.
Trudging through this silent, still, empty, inclement,
beautiful, fantastic Minnesota.
LakeTown, USA 