Poems (Jackson)/December
For works with similar titles, see December.
DECEMBER.
HE lakes of ice gleam bluer than the lakesOf water 'neath the summer sunshine gleamed:Far fairer than when placidly it streamed,The brook its frozen architecture makes,And under bridges white its swift way takes. Snow comes and goes as messenger who dreamedMight linger on the road; or one who deemedHis message hostile gently for their sakesWho listened might reveal it by degrees.We gird against the cold of winter windOur loins now with mighty bands of sleep,In longest, darkest nights take rest and ease,And every shortening day, as shadows creepO'er the brief noontide, fresh surprises find.