In the bleak midwinter time
when life feels blank and doesn’t rhyme,
when melting snow looks more like grime
joy plays at hide and seek.

This is the time of year I pine
for longer days and warm sunshine,
for river cruising on the Rhine.
Oh, how I long for spring.

But since drab days await me still,
I’ll dress to counteract the chill
and bravely climb up winter’s hill
to view what soon will come.