Woodland ferns in  December

 
Go your way to a winter bed,  
Shed those fronds, once green  
Sleep deep, there is but little time.  
We'll miss you, you deserve to rest  
Four feet high since spring  
Green silence on a summer's day  
Jewelled  in the rain.  
Mushrooms, mice, guarded from the sun,  
Are gone to rest as well.  
We'll keep watch until the spring  
The  daffodil and primrose  
Soon to flower................  
Winter  no longer than  it needs to be.  
Even now the willow buds are swelling  
Autumn leaves turn to a pulp  
Six inches deep last week !  
They'll be gone by Christmas.  
Sleep deep, sleep deep,  
There is but little time.  
Days will stretch until its light at seven  
Pussy willow in the window vase  
Shy primroses rivalling the daffodil  
Beneath hazel catkins and matt green leaves  
Thoughts of spring warm hands and ears  
Windflowers white and blue,waiting once again.