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.