Falling snow gently blankets the ground one day, and the next, the brown tips of grass peak up through the melting ice. The sun shines brightly, in the month of February.

Enchantment clings to you as you glance out the window, asking yourself, ‘has it melted yet?’. You’re ready to go outside in shorts, ready to feel the heat of the sun, in February.

Bitter cold, however, slaps you in the face. The outdoors laugh at you, reminding you that it is still winter in February.

Rumors spread throughout your family. Rumors of warm upcoming weather, of days where they can go to the lake to swim. But wait, your mother reminds you. It’s still February.

Utterly disappointed, you curl up with a book, shivering despite your heavy blanket. Why must February go on?

At last, the snow storm dies away, and the sun emerges again. It doesn’t last long, for the snow overtakes it yet again.

Radiant sun, why did you leave? Do you not have the strength to overcome February?

Yet still, winter falls across the valley. February reaches out, touching you with its cold arm, asking you to wait until next month. Because this month is still very much winter…

February.