Waiting For a Break: Snow Bound

A bright, sunny, January day,
The dead of winter weather at its finest.
Snow, pure, soft and fluffy,
Perfect for skiing.
Enthusiasm reigns;
Excitement hovers in the air.
Anticipation, a weekend of sheer delight,
Healthy exercise, fun at its very best.
For an amateur ski team,
An excursion high in the Rockies.
Suddenly, winter's fury unleashes
An unexpected snow storm,
A full scale blizzard on the ridge.
A ski lodge, a winter retreat at its finest,
Becomes their place of refuge.
Stranded amateur skiers,
Snowbound on the ridge, a harsh reality.
The ultimate question,
"How long?"
A warm, fire in the fireplace,
Temporary consolation, at best.

The question of how to pass the time,
Playing a waiting game.
Needed break in the weather,
One that does not come quickly.
More snow overnight;
Tree branches bowing low,
Shouldering their heavy burden,
Finally surrendering their strong arms.
The next morning,
Skiers still waiting for a break;
No phones, no communication,
No snow plows, no highway access.
Worried amateur skiers
Begin to ration diminishing supplies.
"Maybe we should ski out?"
"Not a chance in this weather."
More snow, threat of an avalanche;
Growing alarm, fear, concern for the skiers.
Sudden panic, fear, ground shaking,
A loud rumbling sound
Thunders from the distance,
Drawing ever closer.
Terror strikes at the heart of the lodge.
In the village, rumors of an avalanche;
Concern for the skiers.
"Where are they?"
"Did they survive?"

Villagers waiting for a break in the weather;
The sky finally clears.
Plans underway for an aerial search.
"Hurrah!"
The amateur ski team is found;
The young people perched like birds
On the snow-covered roof top
Of the inundated ski lodge.
"Help!" stomped in the snow.
Excitement,
Elation,
Amateur ski team members waving.
Disappointment ensues;
The search and rescue helicopter leaves,
Returns later, dropping supplies.
"Patience!"
The order of the day.
The highway completely blocked,
The snow plow cannot get through.
An aerial rescue deemed in order.
Now, how to do an aerial rescue
Without causing another avalanche.

An amateur ski team is snowbound in the Rockies.