A January Dandelion

All Nashville is a chill. And everywhere

Like desert sand, when the winds blow,

There is each moment sifted through the air,

A powdered blast of January snow.

O! Thoughtless Dandelion, to be misled

By a few warm days to leave thy natural bed,

Was folly growth and blooming over soon.

And yet, thou blasted yellow-coated gem,

Full many a heart has but a common boon

With thee, now freezing on thy slender stem.

When the heart has bloomed by the touch of love’s warm breath

Then left and chilling snow is sifted in,

It still may beat but there is blast and death

To all that blooming life that might have been.

by George Marion McClellan

The current carrying this work of poetry along is the mean trick of fleeting love and the loneliness left in its wake. However, when taken more at face value it shouts our Midwestern state of affairs. Sunny, 50-degree days warmed our faces and kissed the frozen flakes away a couple weeks ago. (A slick little trick we are quite familiar with in these parts at this time of year.) Boots and snow coats were exchanged for hoodies and barn boots. We knew it would be short lived, so we soaked up every second. As quickly as the ‘spring weather’ had sprung, the snowing-blowing-far beyond freezing weather set in even quicker, as determined as a tired and hungry tantrumming toddler trying to avoid the buckles of a car seat. Thankfully, as in the case of handling such a toddler, we will prevail; and all will be well.

In this period of prevailing might I suggest:

• exercising that spring fever green thumb on repotting indoor plants
• a mixture of bright fresh snacks and cozy candlelit meals
• the occasional elderberry syrup shot for robust prevailing