Wednesday, January 12, 2011

One day, two worlds

We live in two worlds right now. The world of sunshine. The world of shade.

In the world of sunshine, it hit the mid-30s. In the world of shade, it felt like the teens.

In the world of sunshine, the ice and snow have melted away. In the world of shade, it's still thick and crusted.

In the world of sunshine, you can walk around in sneakers. In the world of shade, you need waterproof boots.

In the world of sunshine, you can take long strides. In the world of shade, every step is a nibble.

In the world of sunshine, your windshield just needs a quick brush. In the world of shade, it needs a scraper and two strong hands.

In the world of sunshine, you can hit the gas on the highway. In the world of shade, your car crawls down the side streets.

In the world of sunshine, fresh water drains down the gutters. In the world of shade, icicles hang from the eaves.

In the world of sunshine, tree branches sling snow like catapults. In the world of shade, limbs hang low and heavy.

In the world of sunshine, you can go with the light jacket. In the world of shade, you still need gloves.

In the world of sunshine, birds peck for fresh meals in the grass. In the world of shade, they huddle tight and live on yesterday's seed.

In the world of sunshine, it's Kodachrome. In the world of shade, it's monochrome.

In the world of sunshine, you hang around and talk to the neighbors. In the world of shade, you give a quick wave and duck inside.

In the world of sunshine, you stay out late. In the world of shade, you try to get home before dark.

In the world of sunshine, you think about baseball. In the world of shade, you think about luge.

In the world of sunshine, you hear dripping. In the world of shade, you hear crashing.

In the world of sunshine, the wind is brisk. In the world of shade, the wind is biting.

In the world of sunshine, there's a southern exposure. In the world of shade, there's a north face.

In the world of sunshine, you jog for exercise. In the world of shade, you might have to walk to work.

In the world of sunshine, it's time to fertilize the daffodils. In the world of shade, it's time to de-ice the sidewalk.

In the world of sunshine, skateboards. In the world of shade, skates.

Six months from now, the sun will beat us down and the shade will be our rescue. But we're used to that. Snow days like this are still rare enough to be special.

And now, as it thaws, you can witness how the world can change in just a few steps. Warm's not far from cold. Light's right next to dark. And the balance shifts and swirls, every day, every moment, as we spin around in space.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not your best effort.

tommy tomlinson said...

Mom?

Anonymous said...

I understand what you're trying to do here, Tommy, but you're stretching the snow-themed commentary a bit thin now.

This one isn't as well written as the first one.

Anonymous said...

stretch.

sometimes you gotta reign in that stuff, you feel "made you", and start sewing with a different stitch pattern.

Sam Vimes said...

Actually, I think there's a really nice rhythm to your words here Tommy, all the naysayers notwithstanding.

Thanks.

Unknown said...

Great observation. I suggest you follow Dickens' master introduction. As read my comment would be "too many words".

cytomitch said...

What were you smoking in Cambridge? You're a better writer than that, TT.

tommy tomlinson said...

I see my fan club has gathered... nice of all of you to be here in one place :)

Sorry you didn't like this one. We publish every day. Sometimes you get a hit, sometimes you foul one off, sometimes you swing and miss.

Dr. Horrible said...

When did you hire John Edwards' speech writer to ghost write your column for you?

JennAMom said...

I miss the days when it wasn't so easy to just click, type, and express your opinion. Maybe if you had to pick up the phone and get someone on the other end, or get out a piece of paper and a pen and a stamp, you'd think about whether it's helpful or even worthwhile to bitch and whine about everything you see that doesn't make your skirt fly up. (Incidentally, Tommy, I thought this piece was very cool. Pun intended.)

Anonymous said...

How long did it take to write this?
On deadline?

Anonymous said...

Tommy, do you actually *DO* anything?

Ken

Anonymous said...

Well I liked it.

Shauna said...

So many haters. So many anonymous!

I liked the rhythm of this. Not everything you write has to change the world, sometimes it can just change your mood.

Michael said...

Tough crowd this morning, must be the cabin fever.

Rod T said...

I enjoyed this one. Thanks, Tommy!

I'd venture to guess that those whose criticism edges towards personal shots have never met Tommy personally. If they had, they could never be so mean-spirited.

Tommy, knowing you has been one of the great blessings in my life!

I JUDGE THEE!!!! said...

Super weak sauce.

Unknown said...

In the world of sunshine, 9-yr. old Christina Green of Tuscon, AZ is still happily splashing in rain puddles.
In the world of shade, Jared Loughner is allowed to purchase a Glock 19 with an extended magazine.