winter's breath froze the last driblets the slate gray mist soon covered the once green field chirpings waning concert fell silent to the leafless winds darkness hastens to days end as cerulean skies fired magenta the painter's lush palette now earthen mahogany and umber children chant for fluffy white mornings houses puffing chimneys and frosted window panes time twisted tight awaiting the flourishes of the springtime symphonies tuning up beneath our feet and beyond the stars