Tonight, the trees were painted in the white of snow, the sound of life muffled by the fast and furious flakes streaming to the ground.  Yes, there was more traffic.  Yes, the roads were iffy.

Yes, my soul breathed a little.  As street lights began to glow orange and illuminate the flakes; as I moved further and further away from the concrete jungle of downtown Philadelphia – my heart expanded, my shoulders eased, my jaw un-clenched.

The man used to say to me that he couldn’t live anywhere that didn’t have seasons.  I scoffed at him, thinking how brilliant year-round warm weather would be.

But I think he is right. Oh winter, I have missed you.  You are so beautiful, and powerful and mighty.  You are not convenient.  You can be dangerous.  You deserve respect.

And even if by morning you are gone, for tonight, you have made my heart smile.