We've been enduring a series of winter storms here in Bear Lake Valley. The snow banks are growing by leaps and bounds---we're already up to about 3 & 1/2 feet on the level. (That's mountain valley talk for the accumulation of snow in our front yards.) I understand the snow level is pretty impressive up the local canyons. I'll be seeing that for myself later this morning when my husband and I travel to Logan.

In honor of the joys of snowy weather, I figured I would post a poem I wrote a few years ago---after surviving a rather nasty fall. Enjoy and happy winter everyone. ;)

Ode to Ice

Oh, miracle of winter, twinkling as gems,
Glowing crystal wonderment from which much beauty stems.
The crowning glory of frigid moments, diamonds seem to glitter,
Lurking ‘neath the gentle snow, your frostiness is bitter.

You demand respect, though none is given, until most unaware,
Someone dares to mar your presence and slips upon the stair.
Oh, agony and painful times as feet fly through the air,
Vocabulary in your honor, uttered on the stair.

Oh, thing of beauty, I have sinned, upon you I did tread,
Excuse my trespass I implore, your ecstacy went to my head.
And to my back, and to my leg, and to my derriere and arm.
Oh, grievous penalties inflicted for causing you such harm.

Now bandaged, casted, scared for life, I confess it was my fault,
Let me show my penitence with this offering of salt!
Oh, miracle of winter, as you quietly slip away,
Know you have my eternal respect, and get thee hence I pray.

Cheri J. Crane

(1991)

P.S. In case anyone is wondering, the picture I posted with this morning's blog is one I snapped about a month ago up one of our local canyons. In the summer months, this tiny waterfall can be seen up Montpelier Canyon. In the winter, it becomes an icy cascade, a beautiful tribute to winter.