I woke up today to find Old Man Winter out in the yard. He was quietly, milling about outback in the leave-strewn garden. I was surprised to see him because he wasn’t due for a few more weeks. A light dusting of snow let me know he was around. I’ve known him for quite some time and was glad to see he wasn’t in a bad mood.
As I looked out the window, he glanced up and gave me a quick nod. It’s a yearly ritual we ‘ve been doing as long as I can remember. At the start, he saw me as little boy, looking out with excitement at the new fallen snow. Now he sees my haggard middle-aged-morning face peering out- toussled bed hair and a weekends worth of beard stubble.
It’s strange to think of him coming around before I was born. And stranger to think of him coming around after I’m gone.
At that point, at least I won’t have to shovel!
copyright 2016 Christopher Donahue