Longing for winter

You have to be happy in Summer, don't you? 
I don't tan or have the legs for shorts, 
Can't afford to get away. So I close my eyes
And have winter thoughts.

In winter it's harder to get out of bed, so cold
Harder to walk uphill, on ice, in the dark.
Welcome to my world.
The duck pond is always frozen in my park.

I hope I can hang on tighter than the leaves.
Give Summer my old shoulder, and feel.
I can try again, 
My mind as clear as a snow covered field. 


Paul Yates 



Winter 2007 Sunset over River Maas