Two views

                       

With a nod of thanks to Good King Wenceslas, the Bible , James Joyce, Dickens and Robert Frost. ( and probably others....)

It has been below freezing since seems long ago,

And cool and crisp and even

could describe these particular dark, short, winter days.

Snow is general all over Saltspring Island:

Our driveway and roads are icy and difficult to negotiate,

The woods filled with that white stuff.

We feel frozen fingers despite the gloves.

Roll on Summer, we say, Humbug,

And watch the woodpile shrink

As we keep the fires burning hot.

How beautiful upon the mountain,

And upon the trees and bushes,

Are the traceries of white.

Blue shadows gather in inky pools

At the foot of snow-capped rocky ridges

And rays of sun, casting long yellow stripes,

Brightly peer through green, mossy trees.