Urban Frost

The air was cold last night. The wind brought the chill through an open window.

The dogs reminded me that they need to go out…now.

With reluctance the blanket is cast aside and I realize how cold it is.

I head for the back door, sliding my feet into my shoes as I walk.

I followed to see what troubled them and stopped at the same edge of concrete.

The first frost had caught them and me unaware. The grass was frozen in place.

My first thought was complaint. I’ll have to scrape the car windows.

I heard the icy grass break beneath the paws and my thoughts changed.

Fence to fence they ran, the sound of each blade snapping under the weight.

The sound brought back the stories of frozen blades of grass in different counties.

How the sound of the frosted plants must have sounded as hundreds marched across the fields.

Many would not march back, feeling the frost on their cheek as they fell.

Street lights sent beams of light through moving trees. The wind pushed them.

This morning, the grass and ice sent reflections back up and across the yard.

It reminded me of forgotten music from my youth. Light reflecting from the ball.

Even those who claimed it unworthy could be heard singing “I’m stayin alive.”

The dogs had to work to find the scent of the animals who during the night ran through the yard

The ice partially blocked the scent, keeping it hidden in the grass.

Nostrils moved air in and out faster than normal. I raised the blade I was holding and sniffed.

All I could smell was grass. I felt the cold on my nose. There are memories there. I let them out.

I yielded and allowed the smell to take me back to frosty days since past.

Family gatherings that only occurred in times of frost or snow. Special times.

Thanksgiving. Trees. Gifts. Family and friends, many episodes I had long forgotten.

All who were there celebrated. Celebrated the season and those who could no longer gather.

The time snuck in and spoiled my temporary euphoria. I shook my head.

Much to do before work. Back to reality. Life continues. It will leave me behind if I don't go.

I whistle and hear the heavy footsteps as the dogs race back.

They jump on me expecting a pat on the head. Their noses are covered in ice crystals but they are happy.

I wonder what they felt. I reached down and pulled as much grass as I could grip. It felt cold.

I pressed it to my cheek. The cold was exhilarating. I felt drops of water run as frost melted.

It changed in my hand. I then knew that it brings changes as well. Hard changes but needed.

The end of a season. The start a new. I spent too many years finding this wisdom.