These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Winter Settles In

Chilly wisps, like fingers clutch
the skin, that's not enrobed
in coats or blankets, that its touch
seems a burning, frosty stove.

This winter pushes spring away,
that polar freezings thrive
amid these cloudy skies, today,
uncertainty alive.

Chirping birds, and dancing leaves,
the frogs and crickets trill.
Distant winds almost deceive
by subtle strength of will.

One wonders, if this cold-pressed word
of God's a warning touch,
"Your North's a shaky, sadly blurred
now image as you're much."

God's greatest Judgment is to give
us just what we demand.
Our leaders often are reflections of
our human plans.

To separate us from our wants,
and stated great desires
would make rebellious every jaunt,
and warrings with God higher.

So, God in wisdom steps away
from things He oft protects,
and gives us what we'd like displayed.
Our hearts of sin reflects.

To "give us over" to our hearts
is what we think we want,
but then each consequence, it starts
in never-ending haunts.

Like parents, who would give their children
icecream every meal,
the self-demanded blessing's rendered
past it's great appeal.

As winter's cold, that numbs the digits
of the exposed hands
each heart unfettered by its wishes
can't see God's Great Plans.

If you can see the wisdom of
the self-denying way,
then thank the Lord, Who reigns Above.
His Hope is on display,

but if you're satisfied with a life,
that lets you live for self,
the coldness of a lasting strife
has placed you on the shelf.

by Jay O’Toole
on February 10th, 2025