Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Ah, Winter



January

The days are short, 
The sun a spark
Hung thin between 
The dark and dark.

Fat snowy footprints 
Track the floor,
And parkas pile up
Near the door.

The river is
A frozen place
Held still beneath
The trees' black lace.

The sky is low, 
The wind is grey.
The radiator
Purrs all day.

John Updike


Don't be fooled; the vision at my house is much more like the images in the second stanza of the poem than the lovely photo.   I would add to the picture: puddles on the garage floor from snowy cars,  wood trash and ashes near the fireplace, and extra floor mats to prevent those wet, snowy footprints.  I give up.  In addition, it's thawing today: grey mist, dripping water, puddles that will refreeze into sheets of ice, and dirty snow.

I spent the morning going through excess STUFF in the basement around my studio area.  The progress is not even noticeable.  I'll keep going.  The plan is to buy some new storage furniture to neaten it up, but first I had to throw out boxes, shopping bags, and tissue paper saved after Christmas.  And that's just the beginning.

I hope in the time left this afternoon I can do something creative, in the spirit of Bad Art. Everyday.  Click on the button for the link to Libby's blog where she explains this philosophy.  It's not what you think.  Join in!





6 comments:

ju-north said...

Like the poem! Keep telling myself the worst (weather) is over but we could still be snowed in!

*karendianne. said...

Great post. Brings back memories of my childhood. You really nailed the lifestyle of winter.

*karendianne. said...

Ohh and I just checked out Libby's blog. A challenge! :)

jenclair said...

Love the poem!

Debra Dixon said...

Wes just found out yesterday he is going to Alaska next week so off he trotted for some warm clothes. I'm surprised he found much of anything here but he seems satisfied with his purchases. It's too bad he won't be wearing them more than 4 days!! *wink*

Libby Fife said...

Bless your heart! I am glad that someone gets my joke (and viewpoint)!

One of the reasons I was never a big fan of winter sports is because of the snowy/muddy mess. I bet even just walking in to the house is a problem. I have my fingers crossed for you for a quick transition to a dry Spring:0