Winter's block

As is quite evident, I haven’t been here in a week of days. Rumor has it that King Winter took some of us hostage, and caused havoc to reign in his wake. Indeed, after a hasty exodus about a month ago, Spring, thinking Winter had gone for good, skipped right in with Mother Nature's blessings. Spring began warming the days, giving notice that it was safe to come out and play. But alas when the King's men heard all the joviality, they quickly reported back to the Kingdom. The King, not being one to be upstaged, sent-in reinforcements with a vengeance. It was at that time, approximately a week of days ago, that I fell with a wallow into a place where words do not exist. A place where voice has no sound.

The King's men spread their wrath so all who had peeked out of their burrows when 'Spring' was here, myself included, quickly retreated into the cavernous dark of shelter, respective one to another. Their sudden return caught us all unprepared, and the trickery stifled us. The rogues of Winter took it upon themselves to show defiance in the face of Mother Nature, attempting a coo with a freeze-out storm. Idiots. Did they forget who they were dealing with? Did they forget they were supposed to be retreating? Pshaw.

I'm looking out my front window at the pine trees that still have a slight hue of white dust on them, even as the wind howls through the rain that has been washing it all away. I take a tranquil moment. But it doesn't last. Mother Nature innocently interrupts and asks, “May I help you?”
 

With a sly roll of my eyes, I answer, “Just looking ............."

Then, as an afterthought .........

"Oh, and by the way? Just so you know, that trickery thing is going to cost you.

I shall require a grouping of Holly Hocks and the fragrance of Sweet Peas to fill my summer days.”

And with that and a gasp, she huffs away.