Frost Fairies

As Autumn's forest becomes serene
Winter's Frost Fairies come clamoring in
Perched upon broad, sturdy shoulders
Of stridulent Northern wind

Ice-blue fairies poke their rimy spears
At vines that still cling to the trees
Underbrush shivers then lies down
In wake of such a raucous breeze

Squirrels snuggle in sheltered nests
Away from frosty mischief making
Having gathered ample food for winter
A restful nap is theirs for the taking

Through every single inch of the woods
Frost Fairies stomp; they roar
Trampling all bright colored leaves of Fall
Strewn, thickly, over forest floor

Arctic chaos ceases; Green Man appears
Wearing English Ivy crown and robe of green
"It is as it should be" he whispers
As he appraises this frigid scene

On hollow reed flute, he plays song of woe
In the distance, chickadees sing
Green Man knows his forest must slumber, long
For to flourish, anew, come next Spring

Alice Jackson Sanders
Artist: Ed Org