These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Cold Chill of January

The North has Cold beyond the norm,
that floods the land throughout the South.
The days of chilly freezings form
a bitterness, that shuts the mouth.

Each tender plant I try to hide
within the greenhouse's warm embrace
must still exist, and fully abide
'neath blankets of its space's grace.

The 20s will test life and limb.
Will branches grow with frost so near?
Next week when warmth returns its vim
will tender plants yet live to cheer?

Hibiscuses a year ago
lived two of three through unknown frost.
Within their roots, again, did show,
untended cold stole grievous cost.

But now with blankets fully laid
the days of cold descend to try.
Will the new harsh frost be stopped and stayed?
Will our green friends cause us to sigh?

by Jay O’Toole
on January 15th, 2024