Thanks to Kerry Miller for this 2 page essay on winter.
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Mother Nature Tantalizes
Donna Weissenbrunner
Autumn has arrived. I hate to admit it, but I must. This morning I found
a thin coating of ice on the dogs' bowl of water. Really,, though, I
should have sensed it sooner.
It had been easy to dismiss the maple leaves changing color, and the
little bit of fog that drifted through one morning. I didnt want to
recognize the fall season, so I happily failed to see what I saw.
When the hunters began to go up and down the road looking for that big
buck who has managed to survive the previous two years, it was easier to
revel in the warm sunshine and the zinnias that still decorate the
garden. Even the first walnut that fell from the tree wasn't enough to
remind me that fall wasn't just around the corner, but was right in the
middle of the intersection.
Yes, schoolbuses have been swallowing up the children every morning, and
spitting them back out every evening, tired and disheveled. The price of
apples has dropped. The outside animals are sprouting long shaggy coats,
and the mice have moved into the barn despite the danger of the cats.
I ignored all the clues that nature so subtly gives because I really
wanted more summer. I still want more summer! It hasn't been really hot
this year. Not once did I hear Katydids. The lawn hasn't been watered but
is still lush and green and requires mowing. That isn't like summer at all.
We did a bit of travelling, but there weren't enough good weekends to
have a real picnic. And I love old-fashioned picnics that come out of
wicker baskets.
However, the truth of the matter is, that whether I want it or not,
Autumn is here. Nature isn't going to reverse herself for any of us
mortals, no matter how we plead, rant or rave.
I never think of Mother Nature as young. She is a stern spinster who goes
about doing exactly as she pleases. And when we complain about her
doings, she stiffens her spine and warns that we should be careful
because there is always next year, and her decision about what we will
have to endure or be blessed with, depends entirely on how we behave at
the present moment.
And so, with the old gal pictured thusly, I gave up. Autumn is here. So
be it. I will no longer begrudge having to build a fire in the mornings,
or the closing-in evenings that drive the children inside and underfoot
so early. Let her have her fun with fall. It is pretty and crisp and
there is much to be enjoyed if I really get into the swing of it.
But Mother Nature won't surprise me with winter. I'm prepared. The
woodpile is high. Chains are in the trunk of my car. My work socks are
waiting, and I have a wonderful mountain of books that are longing ot be
read.
So go for it, you old hussy. I'm ready this time.
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This essay is from a book by Donna which is probably out of print.
