The Warmth Of Winter

The flowers won't grow in winter
And the birds have all flown away
The house is as still as a church
On this bitter, frosty day

Outside it's refusing to snow
But there's plenty of ice on the ground
I can see my breath in the air
And feel the chill all around

All around me the campus is empty
Not a person nor creature to be seen
Buildings locked up for the season
And no bicycles parked in between

So I go home and the pipes have frozen
There's no heat and no hot bath for me
Just a blanket and some bottled water...
Just enough for one warming cup of tea

So what do I like about winter?
Why is it still my favorite time of year?
It's cold and wet and dark
And never does summer feel less near

Well I'll tell you now, dear reader
Why I love winter so
It's really quite very simple
And I'll explain why below

When I've drank my tea and feel quite full
I hear the buzz of the door.
Outside my window he stands
Hat, scarf, coat and more

I let him in to see me
And though the breeze he brings in is cold
He fills the room with warmth
And stretches a gloved hand out for me to hold

I drag him into the living room
And he skillfully lights a fire in the grate
I cuddle up to him under the blanket
In our world, and in our place

And as we exchange stories and swap secrets
Laugh and giggle at each other's jokes
I know exactly why I love winter
And that's being with the one I love.

For winter needn't always be so chilly
Needn't always feel so cold
It gives me reason to cuddle up closer
To the one I love, and forever will hold.