Monday, January 14, 2013

Last night...


...I stepped out the back door to shake out the kitchen rug.

My breath frosted in the air and plumed away like a dream.

A sliver of winter moon hung low in the twilight sky.

I shook the rug, and bits and bobs of lint suspended around me in the air for a moment.

It felt like a low desert snowfall...

...and I was transported...



I recalled snowy fields of unbroken white glowing pink with the last rays of sunset...

I remembered winter walks with other loves...

...and the snug warmth of my children's mitten-clad hands clinging to mine.

I touched my face and could almost feel the gentle scratching of a scarf against a cold-reddened cheek.

I remember winter back East...

...when I thought I would always have a season of snow...

...when I believed that the years would continue to enfold just as I imagined.

I no longer have snow.

I no longer have the innocent belief that my life can be always controlled by my daydreams and hopes...

But I did have, just for that moment, tingly cold weather that made my nostrils burn...

...and the almost glitter of almost snow in the desert.

My breath caught...in memory and delight.

And I stepped back into the warmth of my kitchen to place the refreshed rug on the floor by the sink.
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18 comments:

Unknown said...

We may have to do this. I don't think we are going to get snow either.

Bookie said...

Absolutely beautiful, Jenny. Visually superb, a poem that takes us into your experience.

Susan said...

Awesome...what great words.
Susan

Amy said...

So beautiful! I cannot imagine winter without snow, but as you say, circumstances change. Sending thoughts of snow your way.

Theresa said...

Memories:) Even for a moment, we are taken away in our memories! Have a blessed day dear Jenny, HUGS!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Memories are so powerful!
hugs, Linda

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

lovely!

-12 here this morning, thanks for the beautiful words...

Susan Anderson said...

Thanks for taking us with you...

and boy, do you have a great imagination!!

;)

Holly said...

Only you could turn lint into snowflakes!!! What a delightful story!

Had a little skiff of snow here today...no need to shake the rugs out, too much like housework!!!

We don't get much here, so I relish it when we do!

Have a great day Jenny!

21 Wits said...

Well, I must admit if you really want a gust of something you should be popping out of any of my doors, (no I take that back, you're far too sweet) hahaha! We are experiencing true winter in Minnesota this year, darn it, I mean great for the trees and the grass and the men making money off snow plowing and sledding and all that stuff is fun-fun-FUN! Sorry I didn't get to turn in a Centus this week, but it was just to painful, I lost my Mother the year after she turned 80 and it was just too painful, to even read any of them, but I'm hoping next week will be something else I can join in on! Enjoy your week Jenny and stay Warm!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Wonderfully written my friend!

Come on down to the Ponderosa...we have ice and our high has been a whoppin' 25 today! Burrrrrr....

God bless ya sweet friend and have a warm cozy day! :o)

Jo said...

oh i do love your writing ... you completely transported me ...

Unknown said...

Just beautiful.....

H said...

We had about 4 cm yesterday morning, but it melted a bit in the afternoon when the sun came out. Overnight, it has frozen hard so the journey to work could be 'interesting' :)

Judie said...

While you are in Phoenix in the cold, turning lint into snowflakes, we are basking in 80 degree weather. It won't last, though! It should be back in the 60's by Friday! Darn! Just when I was starting to feel better!!

xoxo

Busy Bee Suz said...

Glimpses of days gone by...I love this.
XO

Anonymous said...

Stunning imagery, Jenny.

Anonymous said...

Love the imagery!