In the grip of winter
Only a sip of light
Can come into sight
The sky may fall
Consoled from a cloud
Land adorns a shroud
A mournful breeze
Heard to sanctify
Then whispers a sigh


My town and its surrounding areas have been plagued by floods this winter. Movement from town to town is restricted as rainfall causes problems to roads, cars, and rail travel. It seems to be raining for a season. My recollection of previous winters has been cold mornings with frost covered lawns and a wind that slaps your face with a chilling sting. If wet, lingering rain and floods are to be our depths of winter then we are certainly not prepared. The ground is not prepared as no drainage is available and waterways are not viable. The foliage is not resting as trees and flora remain green. I wonder what fauna make of all this weather? What effect is this environmental change having on the animal life?
In our current ways of living we know the effects of stress, lack of sleep and tiredness. Will the earth rest less, will wildlife struggle to maintain their habitats? And will spring come with a leap, or will lethargy remain in all things. I dearly hope that with the return of the early sunrise and brighter skies the earth will regain its step, light will rekindle all souls and rhythm will balance once more.
As we toast to the New Year may we collectively think of all 
those effected by weather change and displacement. So as the clocks chime to the start 2016 may we all think of those working, volunteering and coping. May all our hearts send goodwill to all people and to our home this planet we share, call earth.
For WPC: Now

The frost will come
Still and opaque
No winds that wake
Nor hammering of rain
The air will chill
Breath to a cloud
Without a sound
Nor a droplet of song
Frozen in time
No light from dark
Beauty so stark
Nor sun rising higher
For WPC: Gathering
The darkened spruce
In the forest park
Stretching to heights
To reach the skylark
The cones and the ferns
Fallen to ground
Displaying tones
Of greenest foreground
The smell of the pines
Tell of winter perfumes
Of earthy emotions
Till daylight resumes
Courage is a complex thing. This week I plucked some esteem, mixed it with loving support, a dash of excitement and voila, I published my collection of poetry on Kindle. Please take a look, the sample is available for a little peek;