The North wind doth blow

The North wind doth blow
And we shall have snow
And what will poor robin do then?
Poor thing
He'll hide in a barn
To keep himself warm
And put his head under his wing
Poor thing.


Today we have had the first proper snow fall. It is almost hypnotic to watch the snow falling. Definitely at the top of the list of magical moments. If you are indoors in the warm watching through the windows as big fat snowflakes gently prepare a soft silver blanket for the earth, you can be overcome with wonder. If you are outside or on a journey you have to be careful.  As the snow falls the temperature seems to rise a little, the world becomes silent and there is a softness all around.
Spare a thought for the birds and scatter some crumbs on the snow, especially the lovely Robin redbreast. Here is a verse from a poem by William Allingham (1824 - 1889) about the robin in Winter.

Robin Redbreast

The fireside for the cricket,
The wheatstack for the mouse,
When trembling night-winds whistle
And moan all round the house;
The frosty ways like iron,
The branches plumed with snow -
Alas! In winter, dead and dark,
Where can poor Robin go?
Robin, Robin Redbreast,
O Robin dear!
And a crumb of bread for Robin,
His little heart to cheer.