First Snow

Posted byJennifer PatinoPosted inpoetryTags:, , , , , , , , , ,

This is a cross-post from my Substack:

When I Know The Snow Is Coming

I feel a sparkling stir my soul
Soon the glittering magic
nature graces us with
will be dancing all around me
and not stuck within

When my breath is visible,
billowing vapor clinging
to cold air,
it will be the reminder
that I’m still here
experiencing the beauty
of the state of reset

All peacefully still
as the snowflakes settle
and the land freezes over
to continue its growing process
in secret

We humans slow down too,
some slumber away
as the animals do,
though the Earth keeps turning
and warm hearts stay thrumming
during the blustery time
of much needed rest

From the Wanderer’s Log: I am awaiting the first snowfall of the season here in Northern Michigan and it is forecasted to arrive on Sunday. Yes, it’s still Autumn, but Winter has a way of showing its face early up here. I wrote this poem this morning in anticipation of opening my blinds to a beloved Winter Wonderland soon. I have been in love with Winter since I was a child and my many years away from its grip were rather lonesome. I’d miss it every year I lived in Florida and during my time out West where snow of any kind is considered a rare phenomenon. This will be the third Winter since I’ve moved back to my homeland and if the size of the squirrels is any indication of what is to be expected for this one, it may be a harsh one. Animals know more than we do. They have a way of preparing for these things if we only pay attention to them. Which brings me to a wonderful point. What have I been paying attention to these days? I’ll admit I’ve been overwhelming myself unnecessarily with so much excess information that is doing nothing but distracting me from things I actually want to do. I’ll have thoughts enter my mind. I will be suddenly inspired. Then I will start seeing that same information sychronistically scattered all about what I’m currently choosing to focus on as if in confirmation. Yes, you feel this. And look others do too! Did you really need to go outside of yourself for this information? Truth is, I have been wanting to spend more time within myself. I feel called to sit with what is already in me. To learn from what comes through for me. Time to clear, the inner voice says to me. Time to keep your energy from getting too clouded for awhile. I don’t know why I fall into the trap of the “mindless scroll” of social media platforms. I won’t even notice it happening until suddenly I’m finding myself drained of energy better spent elsewhere. I can’t ever remember what I even scrolled by! It’s like I’m not even retaining any information hardly. It’s become a reflex of sorts, and I don’t like that. This Winter, I’m taking a break. I’ll use the platforms to share my Substack and blog links and that’s it. In fact, I’m already slowly stepping away by deleting the apps from my phone. I have things I want to do. Art projects. Writing projects. Not to mention the stack of unread books that’s growing out of control. I’m not isolating. My friends and family know how to contact me, and of course I will reach out to them by other non-social media means. It’s just time to step back. Pay attention to what I’m paying attention to. Hear the voices within and not the plethora of digital voices in the sea of internet. Time to float in my own mind and heart. I look forward to this season. I am excited to see what it has in store for me. I am excited for the snowscapes outside my window and for the days I will bundle up and brave the elements to walk in icy beauty. I can feel the charge in the air already. It’s Old Man Winter saying ‘I’ll be there soon’…

Published by Jennifer Patino

Poet in Michigan.

18 thoughts on “First Snow”

  3. That sounds like a good idea, Jennifer. The word mindfulness gets thrown about a bit, but I prefer the word zanshin – meaning relaxed alertness. It is something I try to nurture, with what little mind I have.

    A lovely poem, too, with anticipation.

    Aroha nui,
    Tash

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  4. 🙂I love winter too. I’m glad you got back to somewhere where it happens. I lived in Florida for ten years and met my wife there(Yay!❤️) but it’s just not the same if the temperature never goes south of freezing. I’m so happy she agreed to move somewhere with seasons for me.

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    1. I understand. I know it’s rare to have the reverse form of Seasonal Affective, but I struggle a lot during the warm months. It’s because of my epilepsy triggers though. Heat and too much sun and my body responds negatively. But I do enjoy spending time in the sun too. I think all seasons offer something for me. I’m happy to be in a place that has all four seasons again.

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  7. I am so sorry to hear this Then I hope so much that you enjoy this season I get the heat part my body …my joints with the disorder I have doesnt like the heat but mentally I need the sun it makes me happy lol but the winter actually feels better on my body .oh the the things we are dealt with my heart goes out to you hugs to you❤️

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  8. A beautiful ode to winter Jennifer. I’m finding myself doomscrolling a lot too. One minute I’m reading a book and the next minute I’m looking at reels without even realising it. I try to focus but I’m often unable to. Instagram is an addiction, I think. I’ve never experienced snowfall. Where I live it gets mildly cold, but that’s probably warm weather to you 😅. Here’s to a nice winter spent doing what you want to do and being creative!

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    1. It’s difficult to break, for sure. It’s unusual for me not to be so aware of it. But I’m beginning to notice and catch myself. I want to give my focus back to what I really enjoy. It’s like bringing myself back too when I realize what I’ve been paying attention to. Yes, since I’ve been back too northern US I’ve started to change in what I view as “cold” or “warm” weather. It’s interesting having lived in much warmer places for so long. Have a wonderful season, Nitin!

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  9. We’re coming into summer here in Australia, so it seems so weird to see snow! Rest easy, and good luck with the PKD and everything else you have going on with your health; time away from apps has helped me too. You mentioned in your last post that you have no interest in the ‘hustle’ and apps just add to all that… I’ve let go of twitter-x and instagram is open to read but I quit posting… time is precious, so be where it matters most to you. Sending love and laughter your way, Linda xx

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