There is a frosty blanket on those days in the South, when cotton was king and division cut hearts of men and women. A lifetime ago. No, many lifetimes and generations ago. It’s her past. And a beautiful crop has a million stories to tell, if she could talk. She’d tell of the pickers and their pain. She makes warm the world with all her woven comfort. We sleep with her, wear her. She has a history. She has a future. Plump and white and pregnant with possibility, she lays in wait for machines to gather her for market. White and winsome, covering the South and all the world. A paradox of war and pain and warmth and frosty chilled relations. She, caught between the strife of people, owning, working in her fields. Way down South on her land. The frost is gone, the chill is warmed. She breathes peace now, in her fields and looks like heaven, a sea of clouds.
And he is frosting on my life. I, plain vanilla cake and he, rich cream frosting spreads a blanket on my soul and on my very life. Last night I dreamt of Paris for our 25th, the next one, he of Italy. This life made sweeter, richer in the aging. And in the dreaming. We may sit in zipcode here and never leave but in our dreams. But love is whipped up nonetheless. No less sweeter in the staying. I am covered by his care, spread on me, a covering. And I hold his heavy on the back of my baked being. The complement of two, was planned in Garden Eden. And today its richer still. So much lovelier when two walk tandem out into the world.
He changes seasons when He speaks. He says and it is so. First frost speaks of what’s to come, the earth holds change, like brittle illusion on the field. It looks like snow. Yet when morning is broken it is gone. The frost melts away with the breaking of day. Like all illusion. It never lasts.
Joining Laura and Amber C. Haines at The Run a Muck for her concrete word prompts. There is a wonderful commuity of writers there, exploring abstract themes around the tangible things of this life.
And I am linking with Michelle.
elizabeth w. marshall 
So glad that “love is whipped up” regardless of where you and your love may be. Beautiful tapestry of words and fantastic photo!
Yes, we learn as we grow older to be satisfied with the simple. Ah kind friend, holding on to your gracious words like a lifesaver today.
What a powerful metaphor here. Fog as real, fog as illusion. The wrapping of cotton, the wrapping of love. Love your weaving here. Bless you.
This was challenging. But fun. Stretched me. Love our group at Amber’s. Wonder what is next. So fascinated by the words and pictures at your place. Fabulous frost.Stunningly beautiful.
Love the comfort you describe in your marriage! I also thought romance and creativity for mine… Beautiful stuff.
I see we took similar paths. This Monday project is a favorite. I love it so. Wonder what’s in store for next week. Great community. I am stretched there.
Hi Elizabeth
I am honored to meet you through Amber’s. I agree with Tanya wholeheartedly. I love the subtle promises of similarity amongst contradictions. This is post that needs to read a few times, not to miss any of its subtle, hidden beauty!
Thanks, dear one!
Much love to you
Honored to meet you too. Amber’s place has been full of wonder and discovery. Thankful to have you stopping over here.
Elizabeth, Your poems always touch my heart. ~Di
Grateful. Friend. So wish we were closer. But one day we will meet iRL I just know. Thanks for being here and being an encourager.
I seriously love this! You guys are right. Where did y’all come from?! This group is amazing to me.
Amber, thanks friend. I am loving this group of women/writers so much. Can’t stand the fact we are skipping Monday….but I understand and I will look so forward to The Ornament. You stretch and challenge me. And I am grateful. Thanks for being over here in my little corner of this blogosphere. Honored.
Elizabeth, this drew me in deep. Such a beautiful telling. I’m so grateful that divide is closing–that love closes so many gaps.
Yes. Yes. Beautiful, beautiful writing.
Duane, grateful for your encouraging words. Come join us at Ambers. Humbled by your feedback.
I love…together in your dreams as you stay close together at home…don’t you think that is the sweetness of growing old together…the tandem walking just gets sweeter…blessings to you~