A wish

The winter light shines on the marsh

And sentinels of the scene,

Float around and hungrily feed,

There is no time to preen.

All along the winter way

The scad* of snow prevails,

But we walk leisurely ahead

It is a perfect trail.

Animals along the way

Greet us as we go,

Hoarding up their winter stock 

Before the wind does blow.

Squirrels, blue jays and the like

Are busy as can be.

Chickadees around here abound and 

A nuthatch leaves the tree.

The animals don’t realize 

Another year is through

They go about their merry way

Unlike me and you.

No worries here along the trail

Survival is the key

No concern for peace on earth

It’s peaceful here you see.

What do I wish for one and all

In the hope of a new year?  

Peace of mind and peace on earth,

Going forward without fear.

*Scad is a thin layer of snow on the ground, according to the Dictionary of Newfoundland English.