Winter Crystals

The terrace flags are strewn with frost, salt, sand,
Such crystals as make winter sparkle bright,
But coal is king when winter grips the land.

The frozen ground such caution can command
From those who must traverse it, when, at night,
The terrace flags are strewn with frost, salt, sand.

The patterned beauty of the winter fanned
On window glass makes dull-opaque the light;
But coal is king when winter grips the land

Providing heat to melt the ferns; each strand
Of seaweed turns quite clear where it was white.
The terrace flags are strewn with frost, salt, sand,

The ice has not yet melted, and unplanned
Excursions out of doors may still excite;
But coal is king when winter grips the land,

Desired in contrast, fire shows frost is bland,
For heat is love but cold is merely spite.
The terrace flags are strewn with frost, salt, sand,
But coal is king, when winter grips the land.