January Thaw

Have you ever felt more cold and darkness than you thought possible?

I have.

Have you ever felt so closed in that you felt you couldn't take it any longer?

I have.

But I have noticed one thing about the cold, dark and uncomfortably close.

It never lasts, not even when it's supposed to be strongest.

Just the other day I felt a touch of warmth, and soon after a touch of light.

As my prison melted away I saw the sun as if it were something new

I saw my skin, as brilliantly green as ever, offsetting the dismal surroundings around it.

I looked at my older relatives to see that they weren't looking quite as well as me,

But even they seemed to be in a bit better of a mood thanks to the sun and warmth.

I can't explain how it felt to be free once again, and so prematurely at that.

Yet the time of sun and warmth was all too short.

A few days after, a cold wind came that brought in clouds that blocked the sun.

The clouds dumped their excess on my friends, family, and of course, myself.

Now I feel cold once again, and I feel trapped in a dark place.

But one thing gives me comfort:

The fact that it can all be gone in a moment

That although now I am in a cold and dark place,

Tomorrow it could be warm once more and I could once again be free.

Free to enjoy the weather and see myself and my friends.

So I'll hold out until that day comes.

I don't see any reason not to.

For light can be found in the darkest places, and warmth in the coldest.

And spending one more day looking for that light and that warmth is worth finding it,

Especially when it may be the last time you need to find it.