When winter came,
the trees stood bare,
a silent chill
filled the air.
The leaves turned hard,
the forest floor froze,
the sharp air hurt
when breathed through the nose.
The great ball of fire
had not failed,
but shone only dim
through the sky, cloud-veiled.
Rays of light
alone touched the ground -
no mark of heat,
no hint of sound.
Icicles formed
and cold wind did blow,
yet some slumbered on,
under mounds of snow.
Through it all,
'spite the icy breeze,
there were those
who would not freeze.
With coats of fur
and well-hid caves,
they slept there 'til
the cold spell gave.
They give first sign,
the print of a paw,
that the winter ice
has begun to thaw.
Through the warm seasons,
they romp and play,
but keep ready their lairs
for that next winter day.
When Jack Frost comes,
they burrow deeper
to hide 'til spring,
these mild Winter Sleepers.

11/05/2000

Posted on 09/22/2001
Copyright © 2026 Amanda J Cobb