It is winter: it has come
with disquiet, yes- once more.
Where is there for us to run, far from this plaguey shore?
But we are Brits-well, most of us,
and those who are not, now know,
a stiff upper lip and let’s not make a fuss:
watch our amaryllis and hyacinth grow.
Watch for the woodpecker pecking away,
the crisp air, crumpets and tea;
it may not be exactly what you desired,
but it’s good enough for me.
Switch off the news-it’s mostly bad.
Forget the omnipresent phone.
Do a good deed; each one a seed
that flowers on its own.
Winter is here with doom and gloom.
And oh, we have been here before!
Be not downhearted! Look for the bluebirds,
go out of your own front door.
Seek and you shall find each day
one small unremarked treasure:
hold it fast and it will last forever and forever.
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