Settling in for the Winter

Suppose there comes a time
when you must admit
the season really is over.

Lakes are freezing shut,
Snow covers the ground,
Days are much too short.

Thoughts of lashing the kayaks
to the top of the car
is enough to numb the fingers.

So the kayaks are mounted
on the garage wall -
much like hibernation.

Won't even think of doing
little maintenance things
you should do in the coldness of the garage -
wait until just before Spring breaks.

But we can't help seeing them
every time we pull the cars in or out,
Reminder of where we'd rather be -
if not for seasons.

A Winter's Day...

We'll start with the end of the season.
Kayaks are mounted on the wall of the garage,
awaiting maintenance and winter's rest.

Ponds are freezing over.
Rivers are running deep and frigid cold.
Shoreline has lost its color.

Time to sort out memories,
of past summer's and fall's paddling,
and to start planning for next spring.