The Harvesting of Winter

In the middle of summer’s sweet dog-days
And autumn’s noon of tumbled leaf
Winter falls; and plants the earth
In crops of pure and pristine sheaf

Then every stripped and naked sprig
That shed its robe of evergreen
And every humble, barren twig
Is dressed in winter’s dazzling sheen

The curtailed summer waits beyond
The benediction of a year
And soon the green and leafy frond
In verdant arbors will appear

Blow then, oh harsh and hungry wind
Clothe the earth in white a while
For soon your harvest must begin
It melts away beneath spring’s smile

Janet