Today’s poem

BLACK ICE

I looked out of my window this morning To see people skating on ice, Light rain had fallen quite early And froze to the ground in a trice. It wasn’t just folk who were skating — Motorists were trying it, too, Revving their poor little engines, Not knowing just what to do. When finally they came to a standstill They’d probably travelled a yard, It took them some time to discover That driving on ice is quite hard. As they opened their doors in frustration Pedestrians slid stately by, Trying hard to get grip on the black ice Whilst stifling the odd anguished cry. A few managed to stop themselves falling Though some of them fell in a heap, One driver was quite shocked to notice His car slipping away down the street. The appearance of a big double-decker Filled everyone with fear and with dread, But somehow the driver kept steady Eyes popping out of his head. When everything finally looked settled The bus driver muttered a cuss, A Range Rover came round the corner And slid gracefully into the bus. No one was injured, just shaken, The passengers began to alight, Seeing them suddenly start skating Struck me as a comical sight. By the time that I finished my shower The traffic had started to ease, It could all be repeated tomorrow This weather isn’t forecast to cease. The radio said not to venture I don’t want to brag or to boast, I did what the police chief advised us — I made myself fresh tea and toast.

Don Holmes, Nottingham.