Winter sticks its icy nose onto the window glass

causing dust motes to rise and fly as they pass

You can almost see them shiver as they shy away,

not wanting to go outside  into the frigid air to play

Blinds are closed at 4:00 o'clock and tea is on to steep

Supper is early and by 8:00 o'clock all are asleep

Cats snuggle close in bed, seeking warmth where they can

Covers are raised high under chins of every child and man

Breath draws its portraits in the chilly air with puffy whirls

breath from nostrils exposed, rises ceiling-ward in curls

When morning comes, will build a cheerful fire in the stove

as we gather close around, not daring far to from it to rove

Ice skates hang up pegs by the ice-rimed back door,

scarves, gloves, mufflers, in piles taken from the store

No one thinks to complain about the weather outside

They just await an hour when there will a joyful sleigh ride