Daily Detritus

It finally snowed here in southern New England, a little winter blast that dumped nine inches on us on Friday, and another 3 or so Monday, and a little skiff this morning. The wind and cold were unwelcome accompaniments, and so my work-break walk on Monday was suspended. I took a short stroll this afternoon, when the sun had time to warm things up just a bit. Still, the detritus was snow covered, and there weren’t many people about.

Except the children. There is a day care near my office and I am happy to report that the wee ones are outside, year ‘round. In the summer, they run about under a sprinkler and they are joyful. But in the winter, when it is cold and bright, they seem almost happier to be out in the fresh air. Removed from the warmth of their building and released into the electric winter air, its stinging winds unleash in these beautiful little gems a rowdiness and glee. Where summer may sap the strength, especially summer in the city, with its ever-present blanket of humidity and car exhaust and unrelenting blacktop heat, the shock of winter pressed into their faces makes them even louder. Squeals and SQUEE and so much wonderful, I take my time passing by. It is medicine, all that glorious, colorful hope in bright hats and mittens and scarves.

Still, I never photograph them. I just pass by, smiling and grateful. They don’t see yet the detritus that I see; the often broken bits of lives casually dropped on a city sidewalk. I hope they don’t see it the way I see it for a good, long while.

Blessed be.