" Northern Ohio Winter "

the cabin is quiet
nestled in the first light
the cooler weather
has not penetrated the cabin logs
it is still warm and cozy inside
classical music is playing softly
old dog gypsy is asleep on her sofa
yes she has her red leather chair as well
the feral cats are quiet after eating
their first meal of the day
I am sitting with gypsy
drinking my vashon island espresso
northern ohio winters are very cold
snow piles up around everything
mom is putting sweaters and winter clothing
on my older sisters Nedy and Janny
lots of stuff for playing in the snow like
snowsuits boots gloves scarfs and mittens
the mittens have a cord attaching them together
that goes from one sleeve to the other
under our jackets so we won't lose them
when they get crusted with snow and ice
turning our hands pink with cold
finally she bundles me up so stuffed in clothing
I couldn't get up if I fell down
we are excited about playing in the snow
three little Hall kittens
Janny is wearing the loepard print snowsuit
with the leopard print hat to match
where in the world did mom find it
I thought it was the most beautiful thing
I had ever seen and couldn't wait until
it was my turn to wear it
I was little and had alot to learn
the beginning was when mom said
after she put me in a warm sweater
take hold of the cuff of your sweater
with your left hand and pull it into
the palm of your right hand
then hold it tightly with the four fingers
of your right hand so your sleeve
won't slide up when I pull your jacket on
now the other side
my eyes were big with wonder
perhaps the first thing I ever learned
I could do for myself
guided by the loving patients of a mother
I remember well
yes I still remember the day I got to wear
the leopard snowsuit and hat and I held my
cuffs with four fingers
and I still remember how much dad
liked to see out pink cheeked faces
cold from our time outside
in a cold northern ohio winter