Soft snow now falling fast upon more snow,

Ice-feathered flakes upon the fields to rise

And robed in white, the solemn cornstalk rows—

Stark pikemen stayed, to winter’s might apprise.

The vanquished trees dark branches supplicate

Beneath that raglan parka they now bear,

Yet in disgrace they stand still proud and straight

To mock the frozen manacles they wear;

But winter’s mischief still is not here done,

His gelid breath now chills with frigid blight

And raises ramparts heaped to stem the sun’s

Bright brazen rays with which he soon must fight.

Here in subnivean warmth I gaze and dream;

From conquered earth, fair summer’s fire redeems.