Iceout is happening.
In the North, we stand on the shore in spring and yearn, with a visceral longing, for a break in the smooth white face of the lakes. All winter, they have been a study of white, defined by the absence of blue.
As my acquaintance, former National Geographic magazine photographer and writer, Jeff Rennicke says so well, winter iceover is like an “annual sensory deprivation experience—the specter of negative space—a long, white poem of silent syllables.”
Now, that silence has been broken. As I stand on the frozen grass of our cabin lakeshore, air bubbles underneath the ice gurgle and emit otherworldly moans like the cries of a mystical animal. Blowing wind shifts the ice and I watch cracks form in the thin nearshore skim.
As Rennicke says, soon the ice will crinkle and clash, ringing like bells. Leads of open water will scroll across the blank white page like exuberant cursive. The lakes will awaken, announcing again the spin of the planets, the truth of the changing seasons.
No, the world hasn’t frozen permanently. Spring is coming once again to the North. And it is written in the iceout.
Marie's Meanderings 
Hi there, Marie. Of the four seasons, where do you personally rank winter?
A good winter (lots of snow to x-c ski on and have general fun in) ranks middling. A bad winter (no snow, just cold) ranks last.
I’m glad spring is coming for you!
It can’t come soon enough!
A very true and enjoyable post. And yes, as the ice finally gives way, the lakes belong to us again. Beautiful photo!
Such a beautiful piece of writing.
Our ice out in Nebraska happened already. The sounds were majestic. Even as a lover of winter, I felt happy.
I’m jealous! I’m hoping that when we return to our cabin, the ice will be gone and the loons will be back. It’s amazing how they know right when to arrive. They must follow the iceout north.
Bird instinct and survival are good indicators.
Sounds like Lady Lake doesn’t wake up easily. Like many of us, she pops and groans as she rolls over, stretches and rumples winter’s heavy eiderdown. Better get a large pot of coffee going…
Lovely analogy, Liz!
All that frozen water must be quite the sight! Be happy it does still get cold enough where you are. Have a lovely spring!
Happy Spring to you, Eilene!
Beautifully captured, in words and picture, Marie.
Thank you, Sue!
Ice music—how wonderful 😊
Yes, lakes talk. We just have to be still enough to listen. 🙂