Ocean in Winter
by gillis
The ocean of winter is no coconut oil
rainbow umbrella
frisbee and picnic beach.
The ocean of winter is formidable.
Winter ocean is what the pilgrims crossed.
The hypothermia sea reminds us
we are specks to be blown about.
The ocean of winter does not coddle us,
does not allow to think we are its equal.
There is no peaceful floating here.
In winter we are not lulled
by the sound of the waves
into a sunshiny stupor,
we are put on high alert.
Each crash repeats the same message.
Summer is lovely, but much too easy.
Winter’s beauty is fierce
and only those who show similar strength
will ever know its power.
gillis and her big mouth 
I have never thought about the winter ocean. Interesting perspective and wonderful language.
Loved this stanza:
“The ocean of winter does not coddle us,
does not allow to think we are its equal.
There is no peaceful floating here.”
and this line:
“Winter’s beauty is fierce.”
Cathy