Winter Respite

Just for today…I know that winter isn't finished with us but today I felt the sun on my face without the body-clenching, cheek-numbing cold of recent days; I heard the steady dripping of icicles clustered along roof lines, splattering on the ground below; I saw puddles created from melted snow reflecting the clear blue sky and bare-branched trees. I know that tomorrow winter will once again have its way with us but just for today it seemed to take a breath and I was grateful.