Reflections: Barefoot in the Snow

“…so at a knock
I emptied my cage
To hide in the world
And alter with age.”

Robert Frost

As old age and loneliness collaborate in an attempt to stifle life, the human spirit can once again emerge through memories of nature, youthful innocence, and vulnerability.

The snow fell softly early evening and steadily through the night,
Small flakes greeted one another and embraced on the earth,
Forming soft contours and were content to rest as one.

The man arose from slumber slowly and peered through frost-filled panes,
At the dawned dull light, trying to remember the first time, so long ago,
When guilt free eyes gazed in amazement at assembled snow.

His breakfast consisted of toast, coffee, and oats,
While sitting quietly and alone, reflecting again on the tumbling twisting snow.
No plan did he have on how to spend the day, no intent, no goal.

But a spark of joy flashed through his mind when he recalled,
From times long ago when the first snow arrived,
Of a time when kids romped barefoot for a while through drifts.

Of a time when sensations were fresh and new,
When friends were few but enduring,
When flakes on bare skin startled and shocked us.

When soles and ankles were tender and felt the cold,
And later warmed inside the house,
And glowed with warmth that seemed to last forever.

The man’s thoughts reverted to the snow outside,
He returned to the window and was greeted now by bright sunshine,
Animating the flakes, reflecting the light to all around.

And seemed to invite the man to come and romp once again.

He stripped his feet, rolled up his pants, and walked slowly through the snow,
Feeling the bond once again, the chill, the joy,
Excited to be alive, and exposed, and taking risks.

Now divining a time when he could lie completely unadorned,
And then arise with unsullied eyes to sensations brand new.
And reach out unbounded to old friends; unfettered and true.