February Weather

February Weather

Yesterday more than 60 degrees.

A torrent of melting ice in the eaves.

The sound of running water in the eaves

off the snow-covered roof certainly did please

as did reaching for a lighter jacket

to chop up the thick sidewalk ice now wet.

It seemed that lagging energy levels picked up

throughout this winter day as the bright sun warmed up.

Even the birds were as happy as could be

as they sang a chorus of twiddle-dee-dee.

This longed-for balmy weather

made everyone feel better.

The thick ground cover of ice disappeared

into ice-cold puddles of water clear

from the unusual warmth of the sun

this day in February that has come.

A perfect day to walk the dog

though puddles she did not dodge.

But then the wind came from around the bend,

though no one knows from where it had been.

Harder and harder it blew in gales

awakening sleeping guys and gals,

downing many small limbs

from tree's canopies within.

In the morning the puddles were gone

as the wind blew the whole night long

and flakes falling from the sky

brought winter back, why oh why?

All day long snow piled up

as these frozen flakes were dumped.

The wind blew down the crab apples last evening

found by a flock of black birds this morning.

Did they flock together to keep warm

this bitter cold winter morn?

Seeing them was a delight.

A sign that spring is in sight.

Today, though, the thermostat was hiked up

and sweaters were again buttoned up.

Yesterday people were anxious to get outside.

Today everyone was content to stay inside.

Was yesterday a mirage? A spring fling?

Or just a tease as we're all longing for spring.

Flakes swirled and piled up as winter returned again

but each new day we see more evidence of spring

as morning gilds the skies earlier

and sunsets close each day somewhat later.

You'll see more birds return

announcing spring's return.

You'll hear everyone counting the days until spring.

Especially gardeners who can't wait to begin

a new season filled with fresh beginnings,

green shoots appearing then flowers blooming

decorating the earth for a party.

When spring comes, no one's ever sorry.

* * * * *

Weather is unpredictable; even weathermen are wrong.

But spring is coming and we'll see its return before too long.

If you remember, less than four months ago

we were quite excited to see the snow.

See the beauty found in new fallen snow,

even when rearranged by winds that blow.

It sparkles and glitters in the sunlight

and hurts our eyes when the sun shines bright.

We need the sunshine's warmth and light

and it brings with it such delight.

Then needed rains come as a blessing

to water the earth and welcome spring.

When one or the other is lacking

quite often you'll find God's people praying

to send sun or needed rain again

which was God's plan from the beginning.

Blessed be your glorious name,

and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

You alone are the Lord.

You made the heavens,

even the highest heavens,

and all their starry host,

the earth and all that is on it,

the seas and all that is in them.

You give life to everything,

and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Nehemiah 9:5-6

I will send down showers in season;

there will be showers of blessing.

The trees of the field will yield their fruit

and the ground will yield its crops.

Ezekiel 34:26-27

Rejoice in the Lord your God,

for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness.

He sends you abundant showers,

both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Joel 2:23

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