Ready for Winter to End

Snow and ice as far as the eye can see, patches of street indiscernible from road or yard. A thin glaze of ice, snow packed firm, conditions in which no one should venture forth. Fluffy drifts of snow danced upon the wicked wind. Severe gusts that cut like knives straight to the bone. Frost-nipped fingers and bitten toes. Noses and cheeks red from winter’s burn. Pale gray clouds blot out the sun—dull, achy fingers, joints, and feet inside, where heaters and furnaces struggle to keep pace.

Bundled up in winter clothes, jackets, coats, and blankets. Hot teas, chocolate, and coffee are in everyone’s mugs. Sluggish lethargy, time for books, movies, and video games. Baking to keep the kitchens warm: bread, stews, chili, cakes, and soups are on the menu. Impatience, grating tempers, huddled up for warmth. Swallowing pride for comfort and multiple apologies. Breaks from work and dreading going outside. Piles of trash bags beside the door. Unchecked mail clogging the post box. Unchecked emails from work. Far too many snow days.

Cabin fever, fighting for a moment alone. Remote work and learning. Vexation at modern math and dredging of old topics. Memories of winter's past. Socializing over the phone. Kids are demanding to go outside. Parents are asserting that it’s too cold. Chill air seeping through cracks, running water to keep pipes from freezing. Emergency plans in case the power goes out. Still under-prepared for the season.

Yearning for spring warmth, ready for winter to come to an end.