by Michelle N. Broughton

Created on: February 28, 2010

Winter at Its Best

Stripped of the old, curled into itself, winter readies itself for the new life coming forth in spring.  Frosty winds jar the last of the leaves from the trees, whisking them about the yard to lodge in bushes, fences or dance merrily across open ground.

Graying skies portend snow.  No matter how they try to give an accurate forecast, the meteorologists realize they are at the mercy of Mother Nature.  Reports come every few minutes on the television.  One inch, six inches, or maybe a foot of snow!  Wait a minute, the Gulf Stream looped, twisted or turned, so maybe only a dusting will appear.

Winter laughs as humans cut or buy firewood, fill gas tanks, pack their cars with emergency kits and panic at the hint of a snowflake!  Why, oh, why do they insist on buying  mountains of toilet tissue and gallons of milk, that are impossible to drink over the course of a storm?

With an ear-piercing whistle, the storm begins.  Winds batter loose windows, sweep snow into uncompromising drifts, and send chills down the bravest spine.  Wisps of air sneak in around doors and windows, forcing feet up off the floor to be tucked under blankets.  Another log is tossed on the fire.  Overnight, winter's own blanket covers the world as far as the eyes can see.

Breathtaking beauty softens the rigid lines of houses, trees, grounds and cars.  Bicycles and barbeque grills left outside form odd dunes of snow.  No matter that it is cold, nay, freezing outside, people are drawn to layer themselves against the chill and rush outside.  There are snow angels to be made by laying on the whiteness and swinging arms and legs up and down, in and out. 

Somewhere, hidden in winter's cloak, snowmen wait to be builit.  At least once, someplace in the city, suburbs or country, Dad will find his best hat atop a sporty snow person's head.  Mom will temporarily lose her favorite scarf and squirrels will venture out to snitch a carrot nose.

Sleds magically appear.  Adults turn into children, dashing in foolhardy fashion down the slope in the front yard that leads to a hard landing on hidden rocks.  No matter, bruises are dismissed, at least until soaked clothing pushes them back inside for a steaming cup of cocoa, topped with three marshmallows, thank you.

Winter has arrived with a blast, but eventually he settles into a quiet routine, letting the earth prepare for new life, greenery and a profusion of color in the spring.  He will have done his job well, collecting all the snow as a present of precious water to serve the world for another year.

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