These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Snowy Wood

Walking through the whitened wood
among the fluffy flakes,
I think, that life is very good
as the darkened past He takes.

The cold may bite at supple skin.
I dare not tread without
the warmth of cloth, that covers men,
and Christ, Who covers doubt.

But clothed with Hope I live in light
of snowy purity.
The landscape, now, is wondrous bright
to help all parts of me.

It seems a lonely way to walk,
yet joyous solitude
for there I have some time to talk
with One, Who holds my mood.

The righteous flakes of covering snow
enfold each subject still.
It causes flagging peace to grow
inside its Master's Will.

Each evergreen, attention firm,
is white with covering shroud.
They make beside the stream a berm
to humble all the proud.

The leaves of yellow, orange, red,
now wrapped in whitest coat
return to the soil as buried, dead,
becoming springtime's note.

Walking through the snowy wood,
though cold, now warm my heart
for God's unknown ways come to good,
restoring what He starts.

by Jay O'Toole
on December 21st, 2019