Indy Tundra

These stems, dried and blackened by the cold, 

have leaned and turned themselves into an artful arrangement 

against the grayed background of city snow.

These past couple winters, christened "polar vortex,"

seem like a cruel joke perpetrated by the heating and salt

companies; they're the only ones making any money.

Finally, the weather seems to be making a break for it,

showing some mercy to folk as they try to stay warm and dry,

huddled against the wind that lurks between 

the buildings and comes speeding down the streets,

leaving shivers and numb toes in its wake.

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