The Doldrums of Winter
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I cross the parking lot
through piercing, cold, dry air
again
just like yesterday
and the day before
and the day before
My breath, a cloud that leads me
home
After another day
from the library
from my work
from the gym
from the hours
concentrated on my to-do list
of studying
of writing emails
of exercising
in these doldrums of winter
On one day, Tuesday -
No - it was Wednesday -
I broke the doldrums
and skied
My feet carrying me
Down mountain hills
Faster than I had moved in a week
My molasses body heating
And flowing more readily
Until I returned to the routine
Back to the doldrums
Ski more, they say
It breaks up the winter
But how terrible would it be
To turn skiing into a doldrum?
And my secret is
I do not mind the doldrums
If they will eventually end
And this one, like all others
is not forever.
I put one foot in front of the other
Cautious on the treacherous planes of ice
And smile at the mountains
Tilting my face to the sun.
I walk
I walk
I relish the doldrums
And carry on.