Winter in Illinois-1943

The long dark road
stretches like a black ribbon
all the way through corn fields
blank with snow
I place one ruber-booted foot
before the other
slipping on icy hard black dirt
alongside the road
My eyes dart
looking for monsters
who thrive in the night
especially on this long dark road
School with her light
promises a warm embrace
a mile beyond this blackness
My sister and I hurry
as best our small legs will carry us
breathing hard
razor sharp air
cuts deep into our lungs

- Barbara Barron