Polar Vortex and Privilege

/ Liz H-H

Sumo orangesHunkered down in double socks,

Layers of wool and moisture-wicking long johns.

It’s a quick hike to the kitchen for more

Coffee       hot soup      the sweet pungency

Of Sumo oranges in a hand-turned bowl.  

 

I could go out. I could stay in.

My choice.

Do I trust the slippery overpasses for a writing class in a historic cottage supporting local art?

 

Grateful for my privilege, but feeling detached.

Still.

Worried for those living rough

On our Twin Cities streets,

And rural roads.

 

Predicted windchill 60 below: Our people may literally freeze to death,

Shatter into shards of never were.

 

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2019)

Carrot Ranch Prompt (01/24/2019): In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about shards. You can write about the pieces, the item they once were, or who picks them up and why. Go where the prompt leads.

13 thoughts on “Polar Vortex and Privilege”

  1. I’ve worried about those without who may not keep warm in the polar vortex. You express your compassion so well, contrasting it to your privilege. I hope all were able to find shelter and warmth.

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  3. Pingback: Shards « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

  4. We also have elderly people here who heat their homes with wood-fired boilers. We check on neighbors and make sure people stay warm even if they do live indoors. I like to think of that as “privilege of community.” But those living rough — they truly are the shards that never were. Invisible.

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  5. Yes, we who have a home are very lucky to be able to choose whether or not we go out in this whether. But the homeless are stuck out there, especially if they don’t have access to a shelter. It’s truly sad and scary!

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