Winter Sonnet

A frosty breeze doth blow the deadened leaves

And mournful song the whippoorwill doth sing

Then dark and cold my shivering heart grieves

To think what icy days and nights will bring

Shadows flitting low over darkling ground

Snowflakes fall like winter's intimate shroud

Softly tumbling  o'er rolling hills and vales

Hush! The barest whisper sounds bold and loud

With frightening crack! The ice demands its due

Breaking boughs lade heavily with crisp snow

Footprints made by animals leave sharp clue

Of search for food in Winter's pre-dawn glow

Jack Frost paints windows, white with feath'ry touch

My steaming coffee warms my hands so much.