Winter Stand Poem by Barry Middleton

Have I known winter but a day?
I shudder if I have a way
to go before the warm lets down
her sunbeams on a frozen town.

Like men on winter walks who ask,
"How long before the hill is past? "
I long for easy slope to home
but climb the seeker's way, alone.

I should have known to listen to reason
and bundle for a harder season.
I should have gone out with a friend
that we could joke about the wind.

Oh when does man suffer defeat
when well prepared and on his feet?
It makes me want to lay a plan
and take a grander winter stand.