The winter day dawns cold, dark and wet

A low mist blankets the fields

There is little to tempt the sleepy

From their snug beds

Into this unwelcoming, inclement world

 

Around the house stalks an angry wind

Which roars and howls as it journeys

Ripping, raging and pounding

Mournfully sighing; while an insistent

Rain lashes wildly, at window panes

Beating against casements and shutters

 

Doors are tightly closed

Bolts and curtains firmly drawn

As man holds his own, against the weather

From within, the watchers warm themselves

Comforted by a fire with flames that dance

And cast moving shadows on the bright hearth

Golden sparks spray and logs noisily roll

As the chimney draws

 

All await patiently, the coming of a wintery sunset

For a new day to dawn, bringing with it hope

And the promise of light