Great Gaia Breathes

The shortest day has breathed its last
and now the leaf gowned evergreen
silhouettes the moon cream night
and an eerie coldness starts to bite.

Snails have long since curled in shells
unforgiving winter reigns supreme;
now the ruffled Robin sleeps
and nocturnal foxes roam the streets.

Migrating birds have long since flown
the bare branched trees bend voiceless
to the ice gloved wind; their boles
and root claws shelter scavengers.

Warm-blooded folk close their doors
and shell-like dream of foreign sun
church and chapel toll their bells
the great and good go volunteer.

And all the while great Gaia breathes
incarnate; giving, taking, birthing
trees and birds, moles, and men
power greater than our human ken.

Tony Ashenden copyright 2023