Winter’s Discontent
by John Herlihy
Winter – a cruel season
And often most unkind.
Winter – a beautiful season
And often most kind.
In the forest – fir trees
All dressed up in lace.
Blankets of snow freeze
Across the earth’s face.
White breath of winter
Breathing its Arctic chill.
Hard to forget, like a splinter
White breath to remember still.
Blinding blizzards instill fear
Moving forward as if blind.
The dark night no longer near
Our fears render winter unkind.
Buried graves in frozen ground
The departed spirit’s life spent.
Winter silence such raw sound
Left behind, winter’s discontent.
Enchanted evenings to reflect
As the white crystal flakes fall.
Night, snow, such ghostly effect
Winter’s grip holds us in thrall.
The cracking of winter ice
Evokes a ghostly presence.
The stately owl hoots thrice
In tribute to winter’s essence.
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Copyright © John Herlihy
Sunday 11 January 2026
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Growing up where there was a harsh winter every year leaves me with good memories and bad. The beauty and joy of snow around Christmas time. The stillness in the forest during below zero days waiting for a squirrel to venture out.
Being cold all the time and catching childhood diseases from the low humidity. The dirty snow from cold dust and ash. The crust, slush and mud of constant thawing and refreezing.
Ron