December Rites

Standing under the streetlight

Smothered in thick winter clothes

Scarf tight across my nose

Coat stretched far too tight

Breathe great clouds of steam

Fingers warm inside my muff

Storms make life so tough

Still, t'is a winter dream

Snow falls in goose down clumps

Flakes dance in dim soft light

Dwellings guard heat locked tight

Cars hide in white whale humps

Listening I cock my ear

The snow is piling up

Hunger rumbles, begs to sup

And I hear all I hold dear

Love beckons me hurry

Wind swirls, on the rise

Drifts bid me be wise

The blizzard is not a flurry