Ice Climbing During An ICE Surge
I was going to post about ice climbing,
then ICE invaded my hometown.
I was going to post about the satisfying “thunk” of a good stick when you sink a tool just right,
but all I could hear were the sounds of flash bangs and whistles on my phone.
I was going to post about observing the ice change daily, learning how to swing when it’s brittle or when it’s plastic,
then a peaceful ICE observer was shot and killed in her car, her son’s stuffed animals in her glovebox.
I was going to post about learning to trust your feet, to stand up on small front points kicked into the ice,
Then my friends and family members spent hours on their feet, marching in the cold, toes going numb but showing up.
I was going to post about the presence of mind required to lead a pitch of ice,
but I woke up wired at 5:00am all week, staring at videos of people being ripped out of cars and dragged away.
I was going to share my commitment to improving as an ice climber this season, taking time off work to develop this skill,
then my niece’s daycare closed because of ICE, only to reopen with vigilant community members at pick-up and drop-off.
I was going to talk about engaging the process, putting in the effort and time to achieve my individual goals,
then my friends and family members used their free time to deliver groceries to neighbors, organize with their neighborhood associations to patrol for ICE activity, and learn how to file habeas corpus in Texas.
I was going to post about the beauty in this ephemeral pursuit; how ice climbing teaches me resilience; how I have to adapt my approach as the frozen water continues to morph and change through the winter.
But the resilience and even joy coming from my home state is even more beautiful: the protest puppets from In the Heart of the Beast; the clergy singing protest songs at Target HQ; the free whistles and free meals; Minnesotans putting on their Muck Boots, wool scarves, and parkas to show up for community in sub zero temps.
I was going to post about ice climbing,
but all I can think about is ICE invading my hometown and how to echo my hometown’s fierce resistance.
