My Winter Song
By John Herlihy

This is my winter song;
I cannot take you along.
I am now fully on my own;
Aging, feeble, loosely sewn.

My memories endure and last,
Now embedded within my past.
They shine light that is bold,
On events that were once told.

Emotions that sang a rhapsody,
Sorrows that clung with intensity.
Snow flakes may tumble and fall;
I see my future in the winter squall.

Icicles lose their shape at the tip;
They slowly disappear drip by drip.
Who can account for time’s arrow;
It flies through the heart of a sparrow.

All of nature bows down to adore,
The mystery of passing that is in store.
Who am I to wish anything otherwise;
I bow my head to reality, looking wise.

This is my winter song;
The season never feels wrong.
I am now here where I truly belong;
At home in my hearth feeling strong
Alone in my heart, I hear a chilling gong.