Who could love the winter tempest?  
Who could look at her face to face?  
Who could know her ways –  
her steel blue, 
the slice of her blade, 
or her inability to discriminate?

We watch from the safety of our homes, of which she has power to cover and crush. 

We watch from the warmth of hearth, having never known the full embrace of her cold… those who have often do not survive. 

We watch from our automated vehicles, rarely experiencing her empty expanse on foot.  

Sometimes you cannot even watch, sometimes she blinds – in day and at night. 

You must consider, 
you cannot forget, 
you must be prepared – your life depends on it. 

This is wilderness and the house in the valley has provided an intimate glimpse.  
I welcome her back, knowing her visit was inevitable. 

The furnace went out in the valley house so we are relying on a pellet stove and space heaters. 

My yukon’s 4wheel drive went out last night (causing the walk.) 

I trust God to make a way.