December Rain

The sky sinks low, flat grey and leaking rain,

A misty wet wind shakes the sodden leaves;

Raindrops run down my neck and up my sleeves;

Gutters sing a pitter-patter refrain.

I duck my head under the barn doorframe.

My worn gloves are wet and starting to freeze.

Smoke from the house chimney feels like a tease;

I want to feel the wood stove’s warming flames.