Monthly Review: December 2024

Perhaps I never see again

such wonders,

which I never saw before. Perhaps

this utter silence

where only snowflakes stir

will splinter

at a step. What then?

It may be

I come not this way again,

not in such timeless hours.

Yet if the sun climbs not, nor falls,

perhaps there is no coming day when I depart,

for here is where forever lives

and as it goes go I. I shall not die, nor age—

The flurries vanish in my palms.

The sparkling branches pawn their jewels.

The long exhale marks one less steaming breath

until death closes overhead,

ice on a lake

in failing light.

I shall not glimpse such mysteries again.

---

Here's what I read, cooked, and created in the month of December.

What I Read

• Revering God, Thaddeus Williams (★★★★★)

• The Frindle Files, Andrew Clements (★★★★★)

• The Hotel Balzaar, Kate DiCamillo (★★★★)

• Mysterious Ways, Wendy Wunder (★★★)

If you want to hear the rationale behind my rating, head to my Goodreads for full reviews.

What I Cooked

• Carrot Soup with Caramelized Onions

Difficulty: ★★

Flavor: ★★★

Keeper: No

Comments: I ended up having to make this soup twice because I accidentally boiled the pan dry the first time, and I don't know whether it was worth the trouble. It just tasted like carrots.

• Rolled Spinach Omelette

Difficulty: ★★

Flavor: ★★★★

Keeper: Yes

Comments: Once again, I did a half-recipe in my quarter sheet pan. I was honestly unsure whether it would work, but it actually turned out quite fabulously. If I were to make it again, however, I would not use frozen spinach. It has a certain pondwater taste to it that I find off-putting.

• Honey Buffalo Pretzels

Difficulty: ★

Flavor: ★★

Keeper: No

Comments: I've kept the bag around for the last week hoping that every time I have one they will magically taste better than I remembered...haven't been successful yet. Sadly just not good.

What I Created

• Original essay "A Year in Books"

• Unpublished original poem "Letter to the Student Who Has Decided to Try Passing My Class the Day of the Exam"

May your days be filled with beauty, and may your heart be filled with the willingness to see and give thanks for it.