To Winter, In Memoriam

Sunrise early, sunrise fast,
You show us winter will not last.
Saints V. and Patrick lead the spring
To green the hearts of growing things,

But greeting springtime with such haste
Puts winter's beauties all to waste.
The colder days in colder climes
Take me back to hallowed times:

A child's short, crisp days of waiting
When trees are trimmed and breath is baiting,
Days of ritual and song.
Yes, winter's fourth moves years along.

I still find winter feeds my hopes.
The morning glint off snow-slicked slopes,
The mounting up, the sliding down...
Ah, the grass is always greener when it's brown!