not a member of the Donner Party

the power is out.

the power

is on.

it's a flickering tease

of light

and dark.

and then it's off for five

hours.

it's cold, i'm shivering,

with hat

and gloves,

a winter coat on.

i'm sitting in the dark

as the sun goes

down.

i could build a fire

i suppose,

but i have no wood,

no fireplace.

i can't even find matches

to light a candle

to warm my hands on.

i wish i had a dog to curl

upon me.

i feel as if i'm in a story

by Jack London as

i sit in the half

dark and contemplate

the night ahead.

the roads are blocked

with ice

and snow. 

power lines are down.

the wind howls.

wolves

with red eyes

are coming out

of the woods, baring

their teeth.

i'm alone,

but thankfully 

i'm not with the Donner Party,

if this goes on.