A Winters Tale (Round Robin)

The seeds of winter settle in
as nature clears a path
for the deep roots of loneliness.
Snow blankets and protects
the offerings that fester
as they take hold beneath
the frozen soil.

All living things require
light that forces them to rise above.
They know not what they seek,
yet seek nonetheless with growth.
Companionship and community give rise
to reproduction at its simplest
since man needs other men.

Winter cannot forestall the coming
of new life and hope. It cannot
obliterate the warmth and brightness
of the sun as snow melts to nothingness.
Only muddy pools of water remind us
of where we've been. Blue skies
give promise for the future.