Frigid air bumps against me
and tries to abandon thoughts of summer.
Thick socks inside leather boots
do not prevent my toes from numbness.

But on an icy day kissed by sun,
I drive across the bridge
and welcome the massive river
into my world.

“Tennessee River, let’s visit summer
when you carry riverboats filled with tourists.
Allow your warm water to send waves for
those waiting at your edge.”

It’s less than a month until dark afternoons
gradually slide into later light.
I will see it each day, and our welcoming home
will soon become a beacon for longer days.