Winter Sonnet

WINTER SONNET

Pushing through a snow as deep as weeds
Or sand that blows and swirls and falls in mounds,
I follow cloudy breath across the field
Then turn my gaze back to the lighted house
Where cheerful shine the windows on a night
So clear that crystals hang upon the air
And catching in my lashes make me tear,
Or is it from the welcome waiting there?
Beneath the clear black sky so far above,
Amid the weight of winter's icy hand,
My nighttime winter walk, this lonely stroll,
Reminds me of my need for fellow man,
Till then I turn from solitary roam
And seek the blazing heartfires of my home.

Simple Pleasures

The things that matter most are always free,

Like pleasures that we take in those we love,

Or mists that fall upon the hills of green,

Or simple, gentle soundings of a dove,

The whisper of a baby’s milky breath

As we our faces in that warmth do sink,

The company of friends once lost, returned

To fill our lives with possibilities.

The treasures that we gain from gems and gold

Are fleeting like the falling of a star

That streaks across the night proclaiming bold;

These riches are not steadfast as we are

When you in trust with me stand hand to hand

And find our grace in love of earth and man.

I am very pleased to report that Enchanted Oak's efforts to raise funds for Haiti through her "Simple Things" challenge resulted in 108 people around the globe participating! Chris's challenge spurred me to write this sonnet, and I thank her for the opportunity to be part of this worthwhile cause.

I Drift Alone

I drift alone upon a cold grey sea

Without a star to pierce the hanging dark

Or cleave the clouds that gather over me

Or show a mirrored path to guide my bark.

Smooth silks and riches rare are in my hold;

Fine pearls and perfumes fill the chests I bear,

But treasures fall to ashes without hope

Of passage through this wash of cold despair.

Full weight of fortune drags my vessel low,

Slows transit of my ship among the waves,

Means nothing to the creatures far below

Who wait their time to mark my watery grave.

Oh Zephyr, sail me safe through this dark night

And set me on the path to summer light.