Winter Stand

Have I known winter but a day? I shudder if I have a way to go before the warm lets down her sunbeams on a frozen town. Like men on winter walks who ask, "How long before the hill is past? " I long for easy slope to home but climb the seeker's way, alone. I should have known to listen to reason and bundle for a harder season. I should have gone out with a friend that we could joke about the wind. Oh when does man suffer defeat when well prepared and on his feet? It makes me want to lay a plan and take a grander winter stand.