WINTER

Warm Summer's gone, bright Autumn past, now temperatures are low; The howling winds come from the North, bringing sleet and drifting snow.

Outside, the wood is piled up high to challenge the cold and snow; The great fireplace inside the house throws off her cheery glow.

The old farm dog with shaggy head lies by his master's chair and dreams of hunting days ahead through fields so cold and drear.

The fattening hogs are heavy now; the butchering must be done. And neighbors soon will gather in for a day of feast and fun.

The cattle go into the barn around sweet-smelling hay; They stand contented in a row and eat throughout the day.

Up in the hay-mow pigeons coo, The rooster quite a strutter; They eat from well filled granaries and drink from thawing gutters.

The laying flock is kept inside, secure from cold and storm; The big red eggs will supplement the food out on the farm.

The work teams stand with sleepy eyes in a warm and cozy stall, The manger filled with hay and grain, their harness on the wall.

The gleaming skates have been repaired, been sharpened in the vise, They're ready now for Anglers pond and the smooth and flawless ice.

And so 'twill be from day to day, 'Till warm Spring comes again, When fields warm up once more to be a workshop for the men.

John L. Gwaltney