Battles Won and Lost

Last fall I was crazy strong and laughed at the rush of cold weather that was waiting like a freight train to freeze everything in its path and to turn every warm color to cold gray and black.  I crossed my arms and stuck out my chin and said "Bring it on."  With the heat of fall afternoons still in my heart, I even paused to reflect on the beauty of the dusting of white glitter that continued to cover every surface while holding close any remaining warmth beneath my scarf.

But time was on winter's side and I have been worn smooth with all the suffocating snows and freezing rains and charging winds and shortened days.  My sharp chin has been refined into modesty and my arms hang down at my sides no longer attempting to hold in the warmth.  Now as I finally admit defeat, the winter takes its victory flags and in a sudden departure opens the door for gentle, shy spring to arrive surprising us all!