Driftless in Winter

Sharp cuts the blowing wind
And before her bend the willows
Deep does the great heart call
His song sweet and full of sorrow

The streaming light lies deftly on the hills
And cascades of mirrors reflect crossed summits
No heat swims in the fridged air
Lungs burn with frozen heat

The field sit fallow in winter’s embrace
Untouched by Adam or his plow
Seeds sown in harvest’s gloaming
Wait for spring maiden feet

The hamlets ring with songs
Words long known from father’s tongue
Loud rings the accordion and fiddle
Bright swirls the fair maids skirts

Snow beds in the meadows
And dreams of summer warmth
Fires glow is blazing places
Warming men’s feet.