Light grey sky hovers over the countryside alive. Myriad birds winging free.
All is still. Not a tree branch moving or leaf atremble. Not a tiniest breeze, on an open meadow or low hill.
Storms are forecast; high winds, lashing rain, waves bursting upon coasts, rivers overflowing, risking homes.
Floods expected no mercy extended.
But now it is calm, before a storm.
For some a forecast can be wrong, a gentle breeze, leaves aflutter, blue sky replacing grey. Hillsides welcome passers-by, and meadows gleam as the sun caresses.
Optimism in the air. For a gentle Winter do we care.