Winter Sunset

I leap upon my horse and dash away Past farms and orchards blanketed with snow; I race against the softly fading day To gain the heights suffused in afterglow.

Through fragrant forest aisles we slow our pace Where tall crowned pines and balsams make their stand; The snow-heaped hemlock branches brush my face As I survey a winter wonderland.

Dismounting near the summit of my quest, I climb the ridge until my goal is won; With pounding heart I pause upon the crest And view the glory of the dying sun.

Then homeward bound I give my horse the rein; He lopes along beneath the starry dome. He sniffs familiar air and speeds once more In one last gallop toward the lights of home.