Ave Annus Novus

the vibrant colours

and paraphernalia of the

dying season are now muted

taken down and packed away,

the pared-back raw bone chill

of a callous adolescent winter

rushes in catch our throats,

peering forwards and back

the cost of our generosity is

weighed out, its value judged

discarded skeletal trees,

once adorned are shredded

friends’ tidings too,

feasting must cease

tight belts tightened

routine returned,

life goes on, impatiently

time barrels onward

cautious primroses risk a

peek above the frosted sod

Published by grahamrsherwood