Kay Wade
Winter
2025 begins, brittle cold. Wind blows through bare branches in fierce, gusty attempts to knock them loose from trees. This night is incrementally shorter than the one before, the night to follow will be clear, and dark, with stars that sear bright white pinpoints through frigid air. Dawns are golden, afternoons are crisp and cloudless, perfect dog walking weather. After this cold air passes we will listen for the mating call of wood frogs, watch for the nearly imperceptible swell of tree buds. For now, though, winter reigns. ~K