Preparing for the Winter

 

 

 

Preparing for the Winter

 

The sun, as it weakens, casts long shadows now

Across fields sharp with stubble or brown from the plough:

A bite in the air brings the promise of snow

And bids us prepare for the winter.

The shining blade cleaves through the fragrant white ash

And the sour oak reluctantly yields to the axe,

Then we stack them all neat in a fast-growing stash

To warm body and soul through the winter.
 

From orchard and hedgerow that ripe fruits adorn,

Our mouths stained with juice and our hands scratched with thorn,

We gather the bounty and carry it home

To bring warm summer back to the winter.

Sharp cider froths and ferments in the can,

The hot scents of sugar and fruit in the pan,

And, lined up in the larder, spicy pickles and jam

To brighten our lives through the winter
 

As the frost dusts the ground with its sparkling hoar

We lace up our boots and head off to the moor

Where bright pheasants dance and the hare leaves its spoor

For here is our food for the winter.

And then when we see all our hard work is done

We’ll wassail and shout and fire off the gun

And drink to the laughter and feasting to come

As we welcome the onset of winter.

 

The year brought its laughter, its pleasure and pain,

Days filled with sunshine and others with rain,

New friends, and some old ones we’ll not see again

But who’ll live in our thoughts through the winter.

And if life’s like a year and the summer is gone,

Autumn brings blessings when the harvest is home,

So let’s wish that this one will go on and on

Until we’re prepared for the winter.