The Stars Shine Brightly in Winter

Sultry days shorten, cooling the earth

when the daystar in yearly progression diminishes

its warming rays through autumn's color-rich days

and winter begins as autumn finishes.

Longer, darkening nights fill the sunless hours

left vacant by the wandering sun

green and red and gold now black and brown and white

reflecting winter's chill begun.

The stars shine brightly in winter

sparkling through the darkest night,

brighter now than in summer's haze

the celestial lamps burn bright.