-The One We Waited For-

The One We Waited For

There had been hints of it
The biting relentless cold had eased
The snow had receded just a touch
And the days seemed to be getting longer
These were the signs that it was coming

I’m not sure if it’s a part of getting old
But the winters now seem a little longer
The waiting for spring more difficult
The memories of warmer days quicker to fade
Buried in blizzard upon blizzard

As we stepped out of the car at Rockport
I could feel the warmth on my face
And everywhere the snow was melting
The sound of rocks crunched below our feet
As we made our way to the sea-walls
Rejuvenation soared through our beings

We stopped to chat with a friendly local
And patted her appreciative little dog
Then returned to the shop lined streets
Most of the shops were still closed
But a few were waking up for another season
We were happy just to peer in the windows

After so many months trapped indoors
The fresh salt air was like a reprieve
The scent of smoke from a wood fire
Only made it more heavenly
We made our way down another alley
And enjoyed a different view of the water

Tourists were few in number
And we enjoyed the town’s peacefulness
A pleasure normally reserved for its residents
Still; ghosts of the high season could almost be seen
The sun felt so warm on our faces
As we reveled in our leisurely stroll

Fishing and pleasure boats laid sleeping in the harbor
Though a hardy salt did return from his morning out
The fishing wharf and charter docks were quiet
And ice still filled a few of the dories tied to the pier below
The water from melting snow rushed through the storm drains
Its sound was soothing and added to our relaxation

Our long and pleasant walk made us hungry
And we stopped at quaint harbor side café
Where we dined by a window overlooking the water
The service was unhurried and friendly
The spirit of the day was contagious
The whole town just seemed happy

Winter’s long shadow had suddenly faded
The cold now just seemed like a memory
And the promise of days ahead loomed large
Our perception of everything had shifted
Of so many days that had gone before
This was the one we waited for