The sharp air steals my sting-struck breath.

The grey skies overhead promise more snow,

The buffeting winds still, then blow;

The sharp air steals my sting-struck breath.

The grey skies overhead promise more snow,

And tis the season to be merry-

Though the bleak sky is contrary,

The grey skies overhead promise more snow.

Tis the season to be merry-

A bright red cardinal swoops to a pine branch

A glossy ornament, provoking tiny avalanche

Tis the season to be merry.

A bright red cardinal swoops to a pine branch,

His burning breast a kindling to behold-

His feathers fluffed to hamper the creeping cold;

A bright red cardinal swoops to a pine branch.

His burning breast a kindling to behold-

The sharp air steals my sting-struck breath,

The bird sings out his shibboleth,

His burning breast a kindling to behold.

The sharp air steals my sting-struck breath,

The grey skies overhead promise more snow.

The buffeting winds still, then blow

The sharp air steals my sting-struck breath.

9/28/2020