Ol' Man Winter, how you
Kindle the flames of
Remembrance in me.

Memories of
Youthful jaunts through
Field and wood
With Smokey and Duke
Breaking my way forward;
Red Wagon in tow.

Winter whirlwinds filled
With driving mists of
White, dry, powder skimmed
From cold, blustery,
Meadowed slopes-
Peppered reddened cheeks.

Paper bag-brown
Oak leaves rattled
With lamentations
As they clung to
Frosted limbs in hopes
Of an early spring.

Dry and sheltered,
Needle-lined nests beneath
Snow-ladened Cedars
Made hideouts for
Dogs and boy alike.

Popcorn balls
Cemented by sorghum,
Created by love,
Softened the chill of
Of long winter nights.

Ol' Man Winter, how you
Awaken the past
And fuel the soul.

By Billy Joe Fudge