A cold day in ...?

The local temperature is five below (-5). The sun is shining but not accomplishing much other than throwing some light on the snow covered woods and roads. I have no idea whatsoever how Native Americans survived around here when it got this cold. The birds and squirrels and rabbits and other local critters are emptying the feeders at an impressive rate. Haven't seen any turkeys or deer recently. I suspect they're hunkered down in cedar groves or pine plantations, keeping out of the wind and waiting for warmer days.

feeder flocks     © harrington

This is the kind of weather that really makes me wish we had already resolved homelessness. Last time I checked, although we may need more warm places to keep people from freezing to death, the folks running the shelters we have are doing all they can to accommodate as many as possible. Maybe tomorrow, the Star-Tribune will have an editorial that starts "Yes, Virginia, there is a Spring and it will come again later this year, bringing back the Scarlet Tanagers and colorful flowers."

Scarlet Tanager            © harrington

I hope the remembrance and the picture cheers you. Much more of this and I'll need to relocate or seek psychiatric help (or both). Molly Fisk seems to know what this kind of weather can be like.

Winter Sun

By Molly Fisk 

How valuable it is in these short days,

threading through empty maple branches,

the lacy-needled sugar pines.

Its glint off sheets of ice tells the story

of Death’s brightness, her bitter cold.

We can make do with so little, just the hint

of warmth, the slanted light.

The way we stand there, soaking in it,

mittened fingers reaching.

And how carefully we gather what we can

to offer later, in darkness, one body to another.

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Thanks for listening. Stay warm and come again when you can. Rants, raves and reflections served here daily.