snowbound

Here are two versions of the same work.  I like them both.

snowbound

outside swirls the white snow,
north winds blow stubborn
oak leaves into twisted dances.
at the table I sit gazing
out the window at the cold.
inside the lamps are lit, bathing
the room in a warm glow.
beyond squirrels dash in trees
with an inborn sense of what to do,
leafless boughs make them easy to see.
a rare walker with a black Labrador
holds tight the leash as the frisky dog
frolics from bush to bush.
within I sit sipping a steamy
mug of rich creamy cocoa.
                                                                   

snowbound again
                                                                                 
outside swirls the white snow
as the strong north winds blow.
inside by the window sit
folks with all the lamps lit.
beyond, scamper squirrels up a tree
bare boughs make them easy to see.
a walker, to a leash holds tight,
the dog tugs with frolicking might.
within, out of the mug rises steam
from cocoa concocted with cream.