New Hampshire Winter Tree

by Jessica McGrath

As I watched it fall, his last and final leaf;
My heart became so saddened that I began to weep.
Then blew through his branches a strong yet whispered wind;
That echoed through the valley like a humble, solemn hymn.
It was as though he was speaking and said these words to me;
Do not mourn the passing time, yes winter it soon will be.
Do not curse the wintertime and wish the days away till spring;
For there is beauty in each cold day and happiness to bring.
You loved me when I was cloaked in green and leaves turned bright to gold;
Do not turn away from me when bare and roots braced for the cold.
Soon the softest, whitest snow my branches will reach out to bear;
And each day I will rejoice over winter’s loveliness to share.
Cheer up, be glad, do not cry, so happy you should be;
Look and find the splendor in a New Hampshire winter tree.

(Jessica McGrath is a Troubadour reader from Laconia, NH)

(Dawn Martinez is a Troubadour reader from South Hampton, NH. She has combined
her poetry with the photography of Carl Chalupa of Toronto, Canada, to create a
unique form of expression.)

“Christmas Eve”

by Rose Kowaliw

Frosted lace and
Pale moonlight…
Candles in the snow.
(Rose Kowaliw is a Troubadour reader from Swanzey, NH)