A morning walk...

We have come through October with it's wild winds and driving rains. October and damp leaves on the ground and startling darkening evenings. We are now well into November and the days shorten toward winter. November changes quickly - some days a flat grey sky devoid of sun and shadows - but today... Today is a bright cold morning. Frost covers the cars and rooftops - my breath hangs in the air before me for a moment. November - the month of contradictions.


Though I walk past trees with their bare limbs like the slender fingers of old women reaching for the sky, the still cold air makes me feel more alive. Children, laden down with coats and backpacks trudge the street to the weight and promise of the schoolyard. In small clumps of 3 or 4 they funnel toward the bridge - companionship or safety in numbers?

My companion on this walk is a steady dog - nose to the ground and tail to the sky. His large black body and long legs, full of curiosity and a touch of mischief - and a gentle soul, make him an incongruity. He is an awkward galoot who will crushingly slide into your lap and easily into your heart - and in a moment you are disarmed and overcome. He seeps in...

Here in this frosted little gully, all is still - there is no wind. The only sounds are the rustling of frozen leaves under his feet. I keep to the paved path, avoiding the muddy ruts that he takes so much delight in. We will walk to the overpass where the ducks have found shelter and enough muddy water in which to swim. The dog is entranced by their movements and strains to get closer. I notice the cars zooming past me, above me - busy and heading to work, no doubt. This allows me to appreciate my slow plodding and the luxury of time with a good friend.

Already the sun is burning the frost to dew and mist. A bell rings in the distance and I can imagine the stragglers of school children running toward doors. My friend and I turn back toward home. We have a warming day full of promise ahead of us...