a finger on it

I can't quite put a finger on it

to quote an old cliche

I carry the emotions

given to me, full force by my Creator

often swept away

cresting waves then

crashing, gulping water instead 

of air, my head submerged

He gives me hills

and valleys, both

to  be savoured

physical pain, shifts

surprising me, in new 

locations, disguises

tones and echos, almost

symphonic in fullness

always its finger on me

unrelenting grip, does this

hurt? how about here?

He gives me hills 

and valleys, both

but dwells with me

up there and down here

 Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; 

do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. 

I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; 

yes, I will hold you up and retain you 

with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.

Isaiah 41:10 Amplified

too too soon

the beginning of 2014

January through April, perhaps a bit of May

winter slipped under the doors

painted pictures on the windows

while we were lost in dreams

of a life hotter, fuller in Africa

and in August that same year

we left the prairies below us as we flew away

there were visits back

2016, 2018 but always summer

never did I miss the ice

the bitter winds

or the snow, no

not at all

yet, today I find myself here

the sky dull

constant cloud cover 

dripping rain and yes,

snow,  early October

shivering deep beneath my skin

winter hardly begun

the long season of fleece

down, woolly socks and hot tea

is upon me and the thought

of hibernation tantalizes

new snow tires on the vehicle

but oh, if I had my way

I'd remain inside

until Spring's thaw

months and months from here