First Winter Sonnet
(Charlie’s Arboretum)
Wearing clothing warm, stocking cap and gloves, left home
Walking snowy streets in wool socks and freshly oiled boots
A storm, a day off work, heading for the arboretum to roam
Arriving at this Paradise white, the first soul here to set foot
A few tiny birds silent fly as the snowflakes abundant in air
Around vacant trees, the deadfall, great and small, shrouded
The snow drapes evergreens, majestic and humble, so fair
Weaves intricate lace-like patterns upon ice of the little pond
As I do explore fingers begin to ache from a frostbitten past
Thoughts turn to men who left home braving the Arctic cold
For nation’s pride, duty, bonus pay, fame, achievement to last
In ships built strong not stronger than that sea of endless ice
Final breath drawn on ice floe, rocky shore and snowy land
The warmth of home in aching heart, frozen hands and eyes
–Mark Hochmuth
