Winter Walk

The early morning sun illuminated
the house this morning in contrast
to the days when grey gloom
pervaded the atmosphere within
and without. Clear blue winter skies
come with a pricetag bringing icy
temperatures in lieu of snow and 
so cold that blustery winds wreak
havoc on warm-blooded creatures
huddling in their shelters. In the
forest among the trees where snow
yet remains on trunks and branches
and the forest floor is steeped in ice
all is still, no birds sing or flit about
much less the furry denizens last seen
frantically in search of denning-up
victuals to over-winter. Tramping
through the forest trails with their
winter-entrancing landscapes we
briefly savour the sharp air tingling
our nostrils, pinching our cheeks
as we watch the antics of our little
dogs clad as we are in winter gear
seemingly impervious to discomfort
entranced by the atmosphere at one
with the forces that shape our world.