December in the garden

Cold winter working

A chill in the air

Storm clouds brewing

already imagine  

the tea in the pot

Bulbs to plant in a new bed

croci and daffodils 

snowdrops and tulips

a patient cold burial 

in clods of damp earth

Hands chilled and grimy

sticky mud caked boots

nails black with dirt

red robins watch intently

for wriggling  worms 

Cold through as you 

step back indoors 

looking forward to spring

boots off - find the teabag and milk

the kettle is filled and on

Ping the kettle is boiled

pouring in a cloud of steam

the bag squeeze of every juicy drop

fingers wrapping around the mug

a glow spreading happy content

as you warm your hands again 

the anticipation of growth

patches of white drops

bright yellow clumps 

forgotten and remembered

when they emerge to joy

dark early life waiting to burst

a short day passes 

as the festive season comes

investing in the future

planning for the beauty 

natures growth begun