The Old Man Of Winter Past Poem by Axel Durman

When sun-beams our eyes no longer endure
And crows kiss their wings, in the cool Spring air
Then starlings at the brook do sip, playing joyfully
In thankful chorus
When black birds sing a familiar tune
To a land once stilled in frozen silence
When men with miserable stare cast shadows of white
All are called to the celebration, both man and beast
With heaven's benediction the earth is renewed.

The doors creaking in the wind, patiently add to that jubilant chorus
Neighbors greeting foe and friend, while lovers' kisses never end
Passers-by, their cheerful gaze, the scene approve
A smile, a nod, even time can spare.

The Old man has gone.
His back is turned toward the land
He paces the path with staggering steps, knowing this road he's tread before
No 'farewell' would he convey
No waving hat to our merry band
To slumber ‘til his end shall be
Nay, some other time shall we see.