Fresh White

That cool December light
as soft as it is clear
bathes with tender white
the homes of families here

who struggle as they love,
who give as they retreat,
the gentle light forgives the air
of continuous defeat,

the feeling that all one has left
are the ones you've hurt so much,
the ones who take the time away,
the ones who let you touch,

the ones you always do things for
who never understand
except when winter, watching,
casts a blessing on the land.