Where I live it is winter
About half the year.
I remember when February was hard
Grey and dreary
The holiday excitement long worn off
And too early to hope for spring.
But at this point it is easy,
Because I am older.
Everything goes so quickly now,
Whipping by like scenery
On a train ride,
There is no time or need to resent anything.
It’s gone in a moment
While I am still counting my undone chores
And missed opportunities.
My tiny children fast-forward into grownups
My house breaks and is fixed
My cars change identities
My parent wither into terrifying fragility
Everything ages
In time-lapse videography.
I barely have time to endure the cold
Before it is over.
Everything is born and dying
Rushing toward the end of my life
And I stand out in the new snow at night,
Watching it glitter,
So cold that breathing hurts,
And only feeling sad
That it’s all but over
Once again.