Baker's dream: summer to frost

Unfettered thoughts already regretted, unrestrained longings redefined, my unleashed outcry for an early frost now turns and twists, piercing the deeply darkened mornings of shortened days. Winter, seemingly distant as I ranted, rancid sweat coursed from my chin to my navel, now gathers to puff cool night breaths through my opened window.

Errant words, so easily spoken, rest acrid, to burn, ash in the pit of my stomach. Could spoken yearnings for an early frost pierce some membranous universe, form truth? Suddenly each day I rush to draw sweet breath, to savor, to store, the wonder of outside; to cocoon a memory in the depth, the very heart of my being.

Spring, the spring not yet birthed, is ever present. Weeds pulled, yellowed lilies cut close to the ground. A few perennials, carefully uprooted, adjusting to new surroundings. In my head grandiose dreams, dreams of an embryo season growing… that will ease the tight grip of long winter days.

Rockton writer Pat Mannino is the owner of Fatt Cat Cafe in Rockton, where she makes cupcakes and hosts special events. To place an order, call her at 815-624-2832 or email fattcatcafe@charter.net.

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