the winter of our content

for most 
of the year
it’s a path
of convenience
‘twixt two properties
a quick connection to catch 
up with the action

but inevitably 
dusty brown mulch turns 
to white dusting becomes
powder-topped snowpack 

and pragmatic 
path transforms 
to toboggan’s trek
hurtling adventurers 
at full tilt towards
icy waters 

shovels dig and shape
the course carving 
gravity’s force
through warps and weaves
landing safely with a thud
a tangle of arms legs
and unprompted laughter

the stinging cold of snow-spray 
faces blasting 
through flighty flakes 
cannot dampen 
thrill seekers’ delight

nature’s offering with
physics’ fundamentals 
multiply memories
filling hearts content
like a jar 
one snowflake 
at a time 

*In the illustration, search for these winter wonders: a fallen sledder, a snowball thrower, a shovel in the snow, a deer, and a perched bird*

Written by Scott Moore
Illustrated by Landon Wideman

Inspired February 2024