December anthem

In winter our broken dreams
           are laid to rest
dark clouds move in from the east
           and snow shrouds the land
seasoned lovers wrap up
           to keep warm
while young skaters
           take to the frozen pond

Winter is a way of life
           beneath blankets or heavy woollens
while the light fades
           and birds shiver in their nests
those at least that have remained
           in this cold cold land

As a child I tried to read
           the leaping flames of the coal fire
that burned in the hearth
           the red and yellow tongues
of heat that kept us alive
           through those bitter months

All of that is a world away
           and each day is a new thing
and each moon
           brings fresh prospects
My pulse quickens
           as December approaches
and soon all manner of mysteries
           will become clear

though for now I am tasked
           to continue my journey
through mists and frost
           struggling to retain my bearings
in the hope of returning once again
           to the place of my birth

John Lyons