Wintertide

The fall of the withered ones.

The multitude of leaf deterioration.

The mercury level drop.

Birds in migration.

Victory of wool over linen.

The muffler and mitten integument.

Fast pacing and skin cover.

Insertions of palm in pit.

Influenza takes a toll.

Havoc by pneumonia and common cold.

The season in which they are far too bold.

Unplanned rendezvous with the young and the old.

Watch how the animals huddle tight,

Divided they shiver, united they fight,

In the frosty days and the freezing nights,

Extracting heat from even the dimmest of lights.

Firewood and coal, warm milk and hot chocolate,

Spades and young boys to shovel the driveway,

Warmth and protection with the fireplace lit,

As sadistic father winter comes out to play.

Razor winds and hard hitting gale,

Any undecked skin - white and pale,

Short days and long nights,

Blocked highways and delayed flights.

But on the bright side there are the boons,

Snow angels and caroling tunes,

Fortresses and snow battles,

Taking no notice of the teeth rattle.

The season for trees to start afresh,

The season to bundle up and protect the flesh.

The season marked to count your annual bills,

The season to ski challenge those snow caped hills.

Christmas love and nothing to fear,

The most wonderful time of the year.

Presents and gifts, cards and more,

Trees in the house, wreaths on your door.

Resolutions and commitments,

Revelry and cheer,

Prioritizing fulfillments,

The commencement of a new year!

Whether you favor the season or not,

The meteorological powers you do not wield.

Adapt and find what interests you,

Among Skadi's tests that befell.

Choose to explore the white world outside,

Or wrap up in many a quilt.

For winter will continue her quarterly dance,

Till every lively green leaf does wilt.

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Harish Iyengaar

5th November, 2010.