Powerful image. I don't mind the pole - the one isolated pole just contributes to the overall feeling of isolation, depression and despair. I think it's time you had a vacation somewhere more temperate (Fargo, ND, perhaps?).
Thanks guys for the feedback, I appreciate it. The power pole is part of the composition in fact, removing it would leave the scene a bit unbalanced in my opinion.
No offense, but perhaps this "remove the power lines" thing has gone too far. Power lines (and poles) are part of the landscape. I'd remove them if they were obstructing the view or altering the feel/mood of a particular photo, otherwise I just don't see the issue. [/rant]