Winter Beard

Friday, March 7, 2008. 7:48am.It was cold, my pants and daily application of longjohns weren't going to cut it. But I was almost late and, as I gauged the cold, I decided to go without going back to put on my wind/rain pants. Bicycling to work was going to be tough this morning. On top of that I'd forgot my scarf at work two days ago.

The south side of the street going east provided a chilling shade by the building lined streets. Each time I hit the darkened area I gritted my teeth. This cold deserved swear words in my mind and I was cursing all the way because it was a perfect adjective for the cold. But I biked faster through these shadowy stretches and rolled into the sun-filled spaces in happy greeting. The good things about these days is that they are usually accompanied by a bright blue sky and the striking winter sun. These brisk days help build appreciation for the sun's rays. These crisp days build muscles that help you keep warm when the summer chill rolls around evenin' time.

Those who hate winter
spite-filled and bittersweet
I know you too well
Your swear-words fill my mental environment
But stare in wonder at those
who throw themselves
for a personal winter feat
stomping in success
into the warm room
and that warmth
is better each time
I go to embrace the cold
and it leaves when our
love is affirmed;
bold.