Janine Petry

Summer’s Secret

in Reflections

It’s coming.

At least six inches; at least. A snow storm, they say. On it’s way.

Already a gentle whirlwind dons her glittering gown, dances past the window panes. And all she passes sparkles, twinkles with delight.

It’s coming. Yes, I shudder. Let’s get ready.

And so the little feet run—off to get ready.

She finds her sunglasses.

And she gets into her suit.

She pulls her rubbery flip-flops underneath her bared, small toes.

And she parades down the shag-carpet stairs, in all her summertime glory.

She is proud to wear the sun as winter does the snow.

Perching atop the couch, she peers through the panes; summer keeping watch on winter’s day.

It’s coming still.

She doesn’t budge; not for sweater, coat, or hat. Bare arms and legs and sunglasses set hard, coldly staring down the snow.

She is not moved. Not by drift or chill or frost. And not by spring, either.

The summer sun warms her heart; upon it she is set. And it’s the secret they both keep—winter and summer’s child.

Yes, it is coming.

* * *

My daughter just loves to don her summerwear—all winter long. She reminds me how childlike faith can confront the challenges of my everyday. While the snow piles outside our house, no sign of letting up, she parades around suited for the pool. You know, sometimes it feels like winter—I mean, in my heart. And in the hearts of those around me. The wind chills, the cold bites; skies seem empty, the sun far off. Green leaves and grass and the scent of flowers are all imagined; they never were or will be. But a child knows—summer comes; it always comes.  What about you? Is it winter out your window–out the windows of your soul? Do gray skies hide the summer sun? Remember, He can turn your winter into summer, though you have no spring…