Winter

Looking out the window of a doctor's office, I recognize the first signs of winter. A white covers part of the green like a grey over an aging woman's hair. Amongst the winter, an orange hue from leaves once covering Fall suggest summer will come once again. 

I heard a woman complaining that more snow was on its way. She asked me politely, "do you like winter?" I paused and reflected on it for just a few seconds, not too long however. I didn't want her to think she was boring me in some way. I answered her slowly, and deliberately. 

" But, isn't it beautiful. I mean when you really look at what it means. Every year, year after year we complain and moan about it arriving but there is something comforting about it as well. It gives us a little nudge, perhaps to remind us that time is passing. It tells us to pay attention to it for just a moment and to live.  I don't mind the snow at all." 

My name was called to go inside to see the doctor. I stood up and took one more glance through the window again and smiled at the arrival of one more year. 

​By Melinda Cochrane copyright.