Winter Blues

“The blue of the sky is one of the most special colors in the world, because the color is deep but see-through both at the same time.”

Cynthia Kokonata, Kira-Kira

On many a winter day I walk outside, look up, and catch my breath.

Overhead, a cloudless stretch of blue spreads in all directions. Momentarily captured by the surreal color, I pause to view the entire sky. What is the name of this color? Cobalt blue? Carolina blue? E.E. Cummings wrote a poem describing “a blue true dream of sky.” This is the name of the color I see.

Turning in a slow circle, I view Nature’s artwork as if in a kaleidoscope. Bits of cerulean sky and dark brown branches shift in symmetrical patterns. Stark winter landscapes overlap the dream-like canvas. Bony, bumpy limbs on bare trees stand out in exquisite detail against this backdrop. Sunlight sparkles on lakes and ponds.

On such a day the air is cold and dry. Lack of moisture and lowered sun angle scatter the sunlight before it reaches our eyes. To us, the sky appears a brighter, more intense blue. A sense of optimism surfaces, bringing a warm appreciation of Nature’s many gifts.