Winter in My Bones

Shanghai FEELS cold during these wet winter days. Much colder than the thermometer declares. It’s as if winter here is an inside-out affair. Starting in my bones, spreading icily throughout my body before creeping into the surrounding air. Makes me wonder if I am Old Man Winter. The chill maker himself.

Growing up in Vermont, I’m not unused to cold. But there the weather was outside. The cold was something that could be fought against with layers of clothing and a wood-burning stove. Sure, the cold was sometimes was so severe it assaulted my bones, but that was only when it was especially bitter and pushed through the layers with heavy winds. It creeped up slowly while waiting for the bus and could be slowed by stomping my feet or swinging my arms in circles or running away from the bus stop bully. There was always something I could do to fight it.

But sitting here with winter in my bones there seems no recourse. I’m not just cold, I AM the cold.

Be well,

Monty

• A Flowery Response
  I’ve been busy of late. Plugging away in preparation for April’s upcoming A to Z Challenge. I’m actually quite pleased with my progress and feelContinue reading “A Flowery Response”
• #AtoZ in 2023 Theme Reveal
  Well it’s coming on April and that means its time to prepare for another #AtoZChallenge. Last year was my first year participating and my themeContinue reading “#AtoZ in 2023 Theme Reveal”
• Sunday Morn’
  I was the first to awake today. Even Jack was still nestled into his bedding, nose to tail. He stretched long as he rose ,Continue reading “Sunday Morn’”
• April On My Mind
  April is coming which means there are almost too many choices for artistic expression. April is (inter)National Poetry Month and for the past few years,Continue reading “April On My Mind”
• She’s at Peace
  I don’t have a poem or vignette to mark her passing. At least not right now. She was ill for quite some time so herContinue reading “She’s at Peace”
• Geometry at Play
  Be well, Monty
• Salutation
  Be well, Monty
• Contemplation
  Be well, Monty
• Eden’s Dance
  Be well, Monty
• We Bowed Before Him
  The ten monks chanted. They chanted a well worn script of prayer. Together, but not quite in unison. Resonating with the constant beat of theContinue reading “We Bowed Before Him”
• Tea Time Rose
  Be well, Monty
• Sunday Morning Rubs
  Jack brought his blanket over to hang out with me this morning. He asked and received his Sunday morning rubs. It’s nice to feel useful.Continue reading “Sunday Morning Rubs”
• Playing with Color
  Be well, Monty
• Diary of a Day
  Brother borrowed the car yesterday and reversed into a semi-truck. The amount of damage was less than one would expect when considering the foe, butContinue reading “Diary of a Day”
• I Went Out to Hear Silence
  “I Went Out to Hear” – writing prompt from James Crews’ “Weekly Pause” – I went out to hear SilenceBut her voice shattered Slicing throughContinue reading “I Went Out to Hear Silence”
• Assembly Line
  Be well, Monty
• A Bold Pallet
  Be well, Monty
• It’s All Alright
  If you noticed, I’ve been trying to get back into a bit of a writing groove this week. I don’t always have something to say,Continue reading “It’s All Alright”
• Peeking Around the Corner
  Be well, Monty
• Forest Night Sky
  Be well, Monty
• Winter in My Bones
  Shanghai FEELS cold during these wet winter days. Much colder than the thermometer declares. It’s as if winter here is an inside-out affair. Starting inContinue reading “Winter in My Bones”
• These Days
  These days are muddy. I put one foot slowly in front of the other. I only know that I’ve moved forward by looking backward atContinue reading “These Days”
• Portrait on Wall
  Be well, Monty
• Six Folds
  Six Folds I fold ingots out of silver coated paper;A delicate duty for my clumsy fingers;The thin papers too easy to tear;The silver coating tooContinue reading “Six Folds”
• Forest to Sky
  Be well, Monty
• Salting the Earth
  Salting the Earth Torrents of tears flow down streaky cheeked hillsPuddling into overflowing pools under footSalting the earth barrenStripping soil of it’s soulHis body nowContinue reading “Salting the Earth”
• Portrait in Blue
  Be well, Monty
• Under the Earth’s Shadow
  I lay awake under the earth’s shadowGentle breathing curled at my feetA companion in this darknessHolding guard against The cold reality and coming lightFor I’mContinue reading “Under the Earth’s Shadow”
• Blue Heron
  Be well, Monty
• Endure Me
  Endure meEndure my cold feet under the sheetsEndure my rough breaths sawing through the night’s airMy tossing and turningMy hogging all the blanketsMy nightmare kicksMyContinue reading “Endure Me”
• Departing
  Be well, Monty