"To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June."
-  Jean-Paul Sartre

Before it's too late and January is gone from us, I thought I would pass on this lovely quote I received from a friend and fellow lover of words. When I received this quote I believe we were in the deep freeze of early January with the bloom of Christmas and New Year's still hanging over our heads. But January can tarnish easily. All it takes is that January 'thaw' to turn our fickle hearts to things of spring. Yesterday the deep freeze returned with a vengeance and it can seem as if all hope is lost. Scarves are once again wrapped around fragile faces. Hats are pulled down over freshly coiffed hair. Any semblance of fashion has flown out the window. It is now about survival.

And so it is time to do what needs to be done. It is time to read poetry. It is time to pull down the books of limericks and haiku's that might give us a good belly laugh. It is time to search through the love poetry for the perfect addition to a Valentine. It is time to search the Book of Psalms for words that inspire and move us to praise. 

Poetry, like January, requires us to be expedient. The well chosen words, the short phrases crafted with brevity and care are like the energy needed to hop over the frozen snow bank and into the warm and humid car. Poetry warms the heart and sends the mind into the place of imagination. The cold cannot penetrate the spaces in between the lines so beautifully penned by the poet's hand.

Today might be a good day to bundle up……hats, mittens, down jacket, snow boots…..and take a book of poetry to your favorite outdoor spot. Allowing the gift of January sun(please!) to shine on your face, read the words of your favorite poet into the chilling wind. Who knows? Perhaps you'll draw a crowd that will warm you up while you all stand in the circle of well chosen words. Or if that sounds like too much trouble, snuggling up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and a collection of poems will do. But we must…..before it's too late. February is just around the corner and June is not far behind.