Come inside now.

Stand beside the warming stove.

Watch out through the windows as

a cold rain tears down

the last leaves.

The larder full of dried herbs,

hot peppers, chutneys,

jellies, jams, dill pickles,

pickled relishes,

pickled beets.

The freezer full of frozen greens —

chard and spinach, collards, kale —

green beans, basil, red sauces,

applesauce and

smoked meats.

The woodshed dry and full of wood,

winter squashes stashed away.

Down cellar: potatoes, carrots,

crock of sauerkraut.

Come inside now.

Stand beside the warming stove.

Listen. Wait.

— David Budbill