The solstice is upon us. I usually like winter for about one month. I enjoy a few snowstorms and the look of bare branches. But then, around the middle of January, I start to be over it.

Unfortunately, winter lasts well into March around here.

Today was a bleak day that was too warm for snow. The first two lines of the poem below went through my head. I came up with the rest just now. Happy Solstice, everyone — even if the weather’s a bit bleak.

***

Winter Has Come Through Again

Looks like snow
But feels like rain
Winter has
Come through again

Sleet on concrete
Blackened branch
A piercing gust
That makes you blanche

Streetlamps glow
Beneath the cold
The weather seeps
Into your soul

Skin is tired
Bones are drained
Winter has
Come through again

12.20.18