It is winter now,and the roses are blooming again,their petals bright against the snow.My father died last April;my sisters no longer write,except at the turning of the year,content with their fine housesand their grandchildren.Beast and Iputter in the gardensand walk slowly on the forest paths
In this reflective piece, the author expresses a sense of disconnection following her father's death in April. The imagery of winter juxtaposed with blooming roses symbolizes life and beauty amidst sorrow. The author's sisters have distanced themselves, engaging only during holidays, suggesting a shift in family dynamics and priorities.
While the author and her companion, Beast, maintain a simpler life, tending to gardens and enjoying leisurely walks, it highlights a contrast to her sisters' pursuits of material comfort. This passage evokes themes of loss, resilience, and the need for connection in a changing landscape of relationships.