Winter's Breath

Winter sticks its icy nose onto the window glass causing dust motes to rise and fly as they pass You can almost see them shiver as they shy away, not wanting to go outside into the frigid air to play Blinds are closed at 4:00 o'clock and tea is on to steep Supper is early and by 8:00 o'clock all are asleep Cats snuggle close in bed, seeking warmth where they can Covers are raised high under chins of every child and man Breath draws its portraits in the chilly air with puffy whirls breath from nostrils exposed, rises ceiling-ward in curls When morning comes, will build a cheerful fire in the stove as we gather close around, not daring far to from it to rove Ice skates hang up pegs by the ice-rimed back door, scarves, gloves, mufflers, in piles taken from the store No one thinks to complain about the weather outside They just await an hour when there will a joyful sleigh ride