Harvest taken, gardens turned
Stalks and litter have been burned
Killing weeds and germs for next season.
Gone the colorful landscape
From frost no leaves did escape
Tree's bare branches look like skeleton
Cold rains that bluster and blow
Often bringing freeze and snow
Icing electric wires overhead.
Slippery walks, bogged down traffic
Heat escaping from the attic;
Some of us insulated ahead.
Bursting pipes in the basement
Cold drafts around the casement
Brought me dripping sinus and headache.
But we shall all muddle through
Awaiting spring - skies of blue
Daffodils and tulips coming awake.