These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Residents of the Snow

Such gentle reds these cardinal truths,
the sentinels of snowy lands.
How stark their flights adults, and youths
some stand alone or in family bands.

The tuft of hair of feathers made
the titmouse mingles with the snow.
Its silent gray on back displayed.
Its piercing eyes seem much to know.

Camellias cheer of yellow, red,
Sasanquas glow when days are gray.
The gift of snow on greens can spread
the Christmas Joy before the Day.

Sunflowers glazed with snowy ice.
'Tis past its prime. It's bowed to sleep.
It's summer glory, truly nice,
but seeds of winter new plants keep.

Goldfinches on the feeder perch
as snow falls down around their meal.
The seeds within are worthy merch.
So much their weight must daily fill.

These snowscapes speak of glory great.
Creator Blest shows His good worth
through fowl and flowers, past and late,
of myriad eggs for springtime birth.

by Jay O’Toole
on January 7th, 2026