Winter warmer

De-flea the dog, secure the shed,    

foul winter's beat is strumming,

below the stairs in steady beat 

the furnace is fierce humming.

Wear sturdy socks and underpants,

a vest, or better, two!

Attend with string and sealing wax

to that small hole in your shoe.

Toast crumpets by a roaring fire,

raise up a glass in toast,

to kisses 'neath the mistletoe

old Silas Marner's ghost.

Enjoy, enjoy, the seasons turn,

the rhyme of winter's song,

the hoar frost on the window pane

that is too swiftly gone.

Enjoy as does the little bud

time spent in sweet repose,

for brief the hour 'twixt virgin snow

and the blooming of the rose.

And all the birds have flown away,

Harry Hedgehog has adjourned,

whilst hidden safe beneath the clay

the little worm has turned.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

'Enjoy, enjoy, the seasons turn,
the rhyme of winter's song,
the hoar frost on the window pane
that is too swiftly gone.'

Great meter throughout, truly great. Not only that - you've created theatre, you've created a canvas and with the finest of words have brought each thought-full phrase to life. You use language from the past, not merely traditional poetry but a wrap of elegance - the Lake Poets and others.

[Terry O'Leary]

Exceptionally good poetry, Beccy!
Well done!
Terry

[Tony Jordan]

Your eloquence makes my jaw hang Beccy.
Poetic calligraphy.
There is sweetness, warmth and smiles aplenty in this, no wonder the title is Winter Warmer.
Excellent piece.

[andrew mitchell]

A lovely write so English in the atmosphere of Winter. I like the mention
of old Silas Marner's Ghost.
A rich poem indeed.

[Gee]

Yep, this confirms it. I'm asti you are fine champagne. Absolutely loved this and I ain't up to loving many things apart from family. Have a great Christmas and New year Beccy. Hope Santa brought all your son wished for.

[Ken Simm.]

This is a write about winter atmosphere but it also a Bruegal painting; an older memory; another poem. A personal feeling. A victorian writer. So much has gone into this richness. Oh, and I love the name of your dog.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is like a current day version of Shakespeare's poem "Winter"--

although your images are bit softer and kinder...

j.