preparing for winter

there

are different preparations

for winter now

than

there were years ago.

when we salted

meat,

and canned

vegetables and fruit.

there was a root cellar

where

we stored

carrots and beets, 

turnips

and potatoes.

there was a need to patch

the roof

where the wind

came in,

the windows sealed

to keep

out the drafts.

the chimney needed

tending to.

parging the gaps,

and always there was

the chopping of wood,

hoping

that it would

last.

now,

it's turning off the outside

water

spigot and

we're through.