Beyond the Bridge on Boxing Day

Beyond the bridge, a forest deep,
all of which seems fast asleep.
No new snow for several days,
the old snow frozen where it lays.

To the right, an icy lake,
home to many ducks and drake,
who come to greet the walkers there,
hoping they have bread to share.

Straight ahead, a bridleway.
No horse, no dog nor bird of prey
disturbs the silence - which is rare -
of the crisp and cold, fresh winter air.