Do I say good-bye? Do I wish you well as you go on your way? Or do I dance the dance of one happy to see you leave? Tomorrow, is the first day of Spring, that means this, is the last day of Winter. Please Winter, please just go gently into the night and let us move forward into Spring. Please do not attempt one final hurrah, do not, drop the temperature and drop a blanket of white. It is too late, you missed all of the chances you were given over the past months.
You know, Winter, I am not a fan of yours. I do not do well in the cold, and you are Winter, your are cold. Even though, I will admit that living here you are milder than in other places. I have seen what you did away from here. Thank you for that by the way. I know that there are some here, who would have loved at least one good snow fall, but you know, I am not one of them.
The only thing I like about the cold, are sweaters and over size sweatshirts. And of course my boots. That pair that I lucked up on for that Black Friday sale over five years ago. The pair I had to gorilla glue back together, because I’m just not ready to let them go yet.
As frustrating and tiring as it can be, I do love a fire in the wood stove. There is no heat like that. Of course it helps if you don’t let the stove pipe become clogged. I even learned this time that I can use a chain saw to cut wood to burn.
But Winter, even as I realize that you have purpose, I’m not sad to see you leave. I know that the trees and nature need this time of rest. I know that the leaves that fall, covering the ground, have purpose. Providing shelter for bugs and lizards and such. As they rot away, they put nutrients in the ground. Now, as you leave, I need to get out and clean what is left away.
As you leave, please take the cool temperatures and winds with you. Let them fill your sails and push you away and to the next destination. Allow Spring, sweet Spring to come in and bring back the flowers and fully cloaked trees.
I will not complain about all that I need to do, as you leave. I won’t mind as I pack away the blankets, the jackets, the sweaters. I won’t gripe about putting away my boots for the season. I’ll happily clean the wood stove and around it. Preparing it for the months of going unused. I’ll stack what is left of the firewood and prepare it for storage for your next appearing. Well, that and for the fire pit that I’m sure I’ll be using over the summer.
Soon, Winter, after you and all of the cold have completely gone your way, I can open windows and let Spring inside. Soon, I will be enjoying the outdoors as I couldn’t while you were here. As I know, that there are those who will be sad by your leaving, I won’t celebrate too loudly. I will quietly watch you go, send you off with a wave and a smile….and a celebratory dance when no one is looking.
Words from The Dirt Road 