The wind swept the old farm house

Raising drifts taller than my father

Shoveling foot by foot in vicious cold

to the country road’s only track

Where the milk truck had gone.

The cow dog so used to barking

At the truck wheels could not

Escape the tracks this time.

Carried to us by the driver who  

Had sorrow written on his face,

A reminder that spring

Would come to only the living.

Some winters are stamped on

The hearts of those who live.

Connie Russell was born and raised in the Chippewa Valley, working in the Eau Claire Area School District for 25 years. She has published her memoir, Happily Ever After, as well as articles in Volume One, Language Arts WI, English Journal, and Chippewa Valley Family. To learn more, reach her at ctruss@charter.net.