Good Company - Nov 9 2022

 

Good Company

Nov 9 2022

They are predicting

the first storm of winter.

Which starts early here,

well before

the end of fall.

A low pressure system

edging in

with gusty winds and frigid air.

A mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain,

ice pellets

and bad roads.

I depend on weather reports.

But it's as if the dogs know;

that 6^th sense

of the wild animal

that still resides in them.

Right now, the steady drip-drip-drip

of a light shower

drumming gently on the roof.

While I sit

alertly gauging the sound,

wondering when

the weather will turn.

Anxiously wait,

fully expecting

to be stranded for days.

But this

is the peculiar pleasure of a winter storm,

snow-stayed

in the cozy warmth

of this small snug cabin.

A roaring fire

and a good book.

Comfort food,

and a thick down quilt

to snuggle under

during the long cold nights.

And, of course, the dogs,

who doze lazily

and never complain.

Who are always

a reassuring presence;

good company

no matter what.

Calm

when I get worked up,

unmoved by my moods

and frayed temper,

and as trusting in me

as are small children

in their all-powerful parents.

While I fuss, plan, prepare,

taking nothing for granted

and methodically thinking ahead.

But most of all

they are content to live in the now,

as opposed to my everlasting

existential angst.

The calm before the storm.

Where I sit

with a mixture of dread

and anticipation.

And the dogs

happily oblivious,

stretched out together

on the battered couch

waiting to be fed.