The Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana used to ask readers to write and send short stories. The paper would pick and publish the prizewinners. One stipulation: a 50-word limit. No more. No fewer. I entered and did not win. Consider the value of words and the time spent reading and listening.

So here are two 50-word observations that seem relevant this week.

We give presidents, governors and pastors the luxury of public platforms. Abusers talk long about little. Planning his second inaugural, Governor Daniels noted that Lincoln used fewer than 300 words for the Gettysburg Address. In only a few more, Governor Daniels waxed poetic about what could be a taxing future.

The Gordon Lightfoot song “Ten degrees and getting colder” could have been written about Indiana today. A line goes “his feet are almost frozen and the sun is sinking low.” Those who brave the outside by choice or circumstance do not grow warmer at the thought that Spring will return.