Through cold and lonely winter’s night
I dream of far-off days of light
My empty arms embrace the shell
Of hope: I dare not break the spell

Then half-imagined drumbeat pulse
Announces spring, quick buds convulse
And swell, life’s tempo on the rise
I dance beneath these wider skies

My summer days fly quickly past
On sunlight wings too hot and fast
That leave no more than briefest trace
A flash of smile upon a face

And now in fall, my passion spent
Though on my own, I lie content
The long slow light of autumn sun
Keeps warm the heart that you have won