Change of Seasons

The earth slips into a deep sleep all beneath its surface now dormant sleepy animals curled up in their dens soon to fall into the sleep of hibernation all now slowed down awaiting the snows trees now denude of their canopy of leaves Jack Frost comes creeping with icy fingers covering everything in stark bright white hoar frost, branches sparkling with icicles softly, come the first snows just a sprinkle a promise of more, laden sullen skies above in the morning, a world of brilliant white Fresh and crisp unmarked by human tracks just the odd three toed marks of birds deer trails pass through so distinct the flash of colour from Red Robin's beast drifts of snow, some very deep lie in wait for unwary travelers tempting with beauty Slowly, oh so slowly the thaw arrives everywhere a-run with water trickling now appears the odd patch of faded green Winter releases her hold with reluctance fighting to the end, then slips away leaving Spring to awaken the land with warmth Now the birds are busy, gathering the twigs also moss and feathers with some sheep's wool busily building nests all shapes and sizes the males preening and showing off to hens fighting for the rights of lady and territory the winner, the one who's chicks will be born Leaves unfurling on the trees reaching out sun bathed they quickly grow and bush up to give shelter to birds and tender plants bulbs now pushing up snowdrops appearing followed by gay crocus and waving daffodil finally come the roses, tulips and lupines All now a splash with colour gleaming in the sun Summer has arrived with her hot sultry heat languidly the breezes flow over the landscape an earth that is now ablaze with vibrant greens emerald vieing with turquoise, lime and pea green scarlet beside pink and red, a vision of beauty pure white of daisies and yellow petals of roses Too soon, far too soon slowly the nights lengthen a chill is felt in the air as daylight fades away leaves start to turn to various shades of brown then giving up their grip are carried by the wind plump apples fill the orchards they taste so sweet corn and other crops are now ready for the harvest Bare trees now greet us as the days shorten quickly Autumn drifts gently in, time to light the log fires to tuck one's self up with a book and mug of cocoa ponder on the year gone by, the highs and the lows the cycle of seasons complete for yet another year life reaffirmed and ready to face whatever is ahead written 11/26/2013 by Shadow Hamilton contest Impress me sponsor Giorgio I went with epic motif