For those of us who live in the southern section of the United States,  a “true” winter, with frozen trees and snow on the ground for extended periods (like in the photo above), is quite foreign. And even though my South Texas bones might shiver at the thought of living through months of this kind of frigid weather, I must admit, there is something beautiful and magical about this strange season.

At first glance, everything looks dead. But if you are mindful of what is going on, it is actually a time of sleep, and things are happening under that white blanket! For example, sugar maples only produce sap in cold weather. And boy, do I like maple syrup, so I have become most grateful for winter.

Though I will probably never live in an area that has a “true” winter, we do have loved ones up north, so I might get to visit someday during their “true” winter. After admiring the beauty of the photo above and pondering the importance of winter in the earth’s life cycle, I felt called to write the following poem. Enjoy!

Winter Heed

The trees are not dead,

they are just on pause.

New buds will spring forth

when all of this thaws.

For rising is the sap,

and softening is the seed.

Hidden forces are at work,

it’s winter, give heed!