Open the captive shutters
Let in the golden light
Watch as the leaves flutter
You'll have the dark tonight

Our winter days are short
So relish the midday sun
It's a tenet of living North
Use the light, get things done

To the South, a brightness
Low on the horizon, yet strong
On the mountains, whiteness
Will be solstice before long

Prepare for year-end feasts
Keep the winter kitchen warm
Heady aroma of baked yeasts
Will stay the inner fever storm