January.

JANUS am I; oldest of potentates!
Forward I look and backward, and below

I count

The

years

as god of avenues and gates

that through my portals come and go. I block the roads and drift the fields with snow, I chase the wild-fowl from the frozen fen;

My frosts congeal the rivers in their flow,

My fires light up the hearths and hearts of men. Written for the Children's Almanac.