Winter

The winter season’s harsh and pitiless.

Our wildlife must survive on meagre scraps.

Inimical conditions do not bless

cold earth which Nature’s snowy mantle wraps.

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And Man, besides, must struggle to compete

with icy paths, damp slush and freezing air.

Each local A and E is oft replete

with those who come to grief through lacking care.

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But children find the magic in this time,

constructing men of snow in urban parks;

with eyes of coal and twigs for arms – sublime!

Toboggans, too, and other joyous larks.

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While winter challenges the elderly,

our offspring frolic quite contentedly.