Dawn's Early Light

You just know when you look out of your window at dawn and see a field of sea smoke rising from the ocean that it's damn cold out there.

Just beyond the frozen pond, I can see one, possibly two fishing boats tied up to the government wharf. I'm not sure where the others might be. They may have headed out already or may simply be hidden by the mist.

When the cold comes, we are quickly aware of how vulnerable we are to the elements. The earth is frozen ­ hard and inhospitable. The air becomes unaccountably cold, and along with the wind invades our homes driving out life sustaining warmth. So we use fire to keep our homes warm, but it must tended carefully lest it destroy.

The cold, cold water can freeze and burst water pipes. It also can kill instantly; so it's best not to drive or fall into the ocean.

»» At dawn on a January morning, Bell's Cove, Nova Scotia

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