by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2025
(Jan. 18, 2025) — Up high in mountains no one goes,
For fear the cold will numb their toes,
Old Man Winter stomps around,
In his stone fortress built in ground.
With hearty laugh this giant stands,
Holding winter in his hands.
“Go forth, my children, Frost and Snow,
Engage the valley down below.”
With vim and vigor fly the youth,
In such a force that’s quite uncouth.
Yet, by the time they reach the town,
Often they have much settled down.
They flit with children in the lane,
And work their art on window pane,
Until their father breathes the wind,
That beckons them come home again.
Old Man Winter sings his song,
With fearful strength that’s loud and long.
But necessary is his night,
For in the darkness shines the light.