Afterglow

White flies harder; flakes chase each other, racing to the ground.  Breathy gusts spray frozen - swoop and sway almost instinctively, like miniature flocks of synchronized white birds.

Ducks paddle and dive in the lake, oblivious to the cold and the bald eagle circling just an hour ago, looking for lunch.

Challenges. Drama.

I imagine myself out there in the twirling white, and consider the difference between Christmas aftermath (the ribbon and wrapping paper, food platters, new gifts) and afterglow (the larger reality).

Tonight I witnessed hope and courage, trust and expectancy, glow steady: glittery Christmas afterglow! Gifts in new measure, pressed down.

Christmas is not over.