Summer’s games left unplayed, toys strewn,
swings empty, abandoned to winter’s joys.
Air crisp, clean, searing tender lungs
unused to Earth’s frosty chills.
Snow-encrusted gardens long buried
remnants of life lying dormant
until the god of spring caresses the earth,
renewing life once more
Footprints plowing stumbling paths
through unbroken fields of snow,
marking yesterday’s place,
a bookmark in time held captive.
Memories of joyous times romping,
fully clad in protective gear allowing
for frost-bit noses and rosy cheeks,
stiffly frozen fingers tingling with life.
Cloudy breath that turns to ice
covering faces in a death-like pall
gracing the earth with a white shroud
warning the careless of waiting woes.
Until spring finally comes,
the harbinger of rebirth,
rekindling fires of life-enriching
juices flowing.
Words and Thoughts 