Fighting the winter darkness
With a cozy open fire

Endless days of miserable weather
Naked trees shaking in the wind
Skies draped with mourning clouds
Sending drops of grief to the ground
Darkness ruling day and night
Getting up is hard
Sadness, a natural state
The cold, wet weather envelops me
Meaning to drag me down to despair
A small flame of hope comes to my rescue
Its light and warmth affecting the room
Soon the open fire’s cracking dispels the cold
Gathers us all around
Inspiring contented silence
Making the waiting bearable, even agreeable
Lighting the room, lightening the heart
As embers glow, warmth lingers
Inviting my thoughts to cozy places.