Spring is nearly here, blue sky re-emerge, days are longer and I am reminded that the sun exists; snow is melting, I can even hear the occasional bird chirping. Usually this is a joyful time, despite the fluxuating temperatures and increase in mud. However, having grown used to the frigid temperatures of Mil-town I am not only sad to see winter go, but fearful. Today felt like spring with a temperature of 33. When I lived in DC highs in the 20s for more than a week were a signal that it was time to pack the bags for
It seems to me that the cold holds things together for those of us who are psychologically fragile. You can be encased in your self-created cocoon and it is ok. Even when you venture out of doors to the frigid terrain it is clean and the air crisp. Walking on cold snowy days one finds silence prevailing. There is calm, a stillness to it all. Compare that to the cacophony of spring or summer.
I fear the end of winter, sure the longer days are nice (sunlight does a body good) and I don’t have to worry about getting salt all over my clothes. But, gone are the blizzard warnings, quiet snow covered mornings, helping neighbors w/stuck cars, and the frozen lake. With winter ending I fear it’ll all unravel, like the melting snow and emerging tree buds I feel I will be exposed, hanging ‘out there’. I love the winter and the impetus to stay indoors and be okay. I always feel worse being alone in the summer when everyone around me is outdoors engaged in activity. While being inside and alone in winter is acceptable, if not desirable.
Still just over a week left of winter, and for those of us in Chill-waukee we can hope for some snow all the way until May, but know that it is over and summer is fast on our heels.
In the past I would be celebrating the coming of sun and high temperatures, now I dread it and am counting the days till November and the first snowfall. But I’ll enjoy the cold whilst I can or relocate to Edmonton!
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