'Tis the season

And we have a reason for so many of us who dread the cold to find solace in the approach of winter: there's glory in the little things, the subtle sharpnesses and boldnesses that make the season special. Like red berries piled suddenly in the shape of a tree, like green rushes suddenly transformed by snow and ice, winter enobles even the wild of the outdoors -- think what it can do for the human best in us? Words and images at blog.amynelsonhahn.info

December, mindful

As we climb into this month,
mindful of the absence of its light,
mindful of the little days,
it is cruel to be abrupt,
cruel to be harsh in any way --
it grates against our wind-parched skin
and chastens quite unfairly.
Let us be kinder than ever before
when we are most enclosed.
The ice on the limbs along the road
should melt our seasoned tempers,
each to each, and carry
warmth to our gray souls.
We should rise about the ends
of frost-smoke tendrils
to making better worlds ahead.

Copyright (c) 2011 Amy Nelson Hahn

view with images 3065 and 3064  from photos.amynelsonhahn.info or visit blog.amynelsonhahn.info