Summer Snowstorm

After about a week of warmer weather, summer’s first glimmer was promptly extinguished by winter’s last gasp. The cold front swirled into the area disrupting the local inhabitants’ annual activities.

It was just days before the unofficial start to summer when an intransigent snowstorm pummeled the foothills into a deep freeze. The startling weather rebellion was a dramatic turn of events that shocked the unsuspecting ecosystem.

The sturdy pine trees were cemented with a plaster of heavy, wet snow, bending limbs almost to their breaking point. The greening meadows were buried under immense drifts that swelled like waves in a great, white sea.

Down at the recently thawed lake, the black water contrasted sharply with the frosted marshland. The fresh inkwell captured faithful reflections of the entombed valley’s stark beauty.

Low hanging clouds skimmed across the summits of background peaks creating an imposing atmosphere. The intimidating effect conjured by the surreal scene was tempered by a veil of glossy mist.

An aura of down-hearted light permeated the somber landscape infusing compositions with an icy vignette. The tranquility associated with the aftermath of such a storm was an invitation to endure its hostility.

A brisk wind and bitter cold only added more discomfort to this unusual grievance. I was convinced that the possibility of more snow didn’t exist but the resiliency of winter in the mountains has proved me wrong, again.

Winter's last gasp
A cold front swirled in
A startling rebellion
A deep freeze
A snowstorm pummeled the foothills
A fresh inkwell
Down-hearted light
A frosted marshland
Low hanging clouds skimmed across summits
The valley's stark beauty
The resiliency of winter