The air snapped with the frozen breath of winter. Trees were stooped together like an elderly reunion. A layer of caked snow filled with remnants of green grass showed where my brother and I had been sledding. We launched off the hill meandered across the lawn and then slid into the open field below. The air was still except for the soft patter of snowflake feet. Occasionally a car would crawl by, its engine a low snarl while its wheels swished snow like a mixer. Our shouts mirrored the excitement of country winter. Then a new sound filled the air. It was the chugging thumping sound of a country icon. Soon it came into view, the medium sized tractor, its chains thumping as it bit through winters lace. Beside the neighbor's tractor romped the faithful German Shepherd Pasha. She would sniff through the snow her breath exhaling trails of steam. Then she caught sight of us. We were back up at the top of the hill again and sliding down. she came bounding, her legs seeming to cannonade her forward. We were midway down the hill when she reached us and lept over and above us in a graceful arc. Her tongue hanging out contentedly, she romped with us some more. Apparently pleased with her success as a gymnast she repeated her stunt again.
As Winter draws closer wrapping us in her cool arms, I think back with fondness to winter memories. My neighbor is gone now, as is probably his faithful dog. I wish once again I could walk up the steps to the two story house and walk over to the right edge of the porch where the dog house stood. Pasha would stand regal her tail slightly wagging. Once more I would sink my fingers into her course hair and caress her ears. I wish I could hear the tractor again and watch as master and devoted dog would slowly make their way down to the pond below the field, under the sun's friendly smile. But at least we have our memories. Maybe this winter, new memories will bring another smile to our lips. Simple things in life usually bring the greatest joy!
No comments:
Post a Comment