Winter’s slumber takes hold

Life rests from freezing cold

 

Living on the vast plains

God’s hand guides, holds the reins

 

Barren trees wait and watch

Fresh snow paints whitest swatch

 

Rhythm of life exhales

Time waits for springtime’s trails 

 

North winds blow, chill the land

Hollow sounds, winter’s band

 

Cattle ask for more feed

Ranchers care for their needs

 

Clear, sunny skies pretend

Sly, cold temps now transcend

 

Daily routines slow down

More time to spend in town

 

Chinook winds warm the land

Snug tease, then cold expands

 

Quietness covers farms

Planting waits for spring’s charms

 

Neighbors check-in each day

Ready to help and pray

Most of my years of teaching in Montana were in small towns, surrounded by a community of farms and ranches.  Life during the wintertime was challenging, but the close-knit people looked out for each other.