Happy Norther! by @Roadstripe (CyberCorn Entropic)

'Tis the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Northern Hemisphere's Winter Solstice (January 3 this year). Happy Norther everyone!

The Story of the Norther Ferret

Once upon a time of yore, A ferret became quite sore. Said she, "That rabbity sneak. "When times get dark and bleak, "He's nowhere to be found. "Once fair weather comes 'round, "He hops and leaps o'er the trail, "Carrying his basket without fail, "Hiding eggs for those seeking, "Stashing goodies for those peeking, "Bringing forth a hopeful direction "Of fertility and resurrection.

"What of days that come yucky? "What of times dim and mucky? "No rabbit skips and hops about, "Throwing glad tidings hereabout. "No rabbit shows days get better, "Once we wade through times wetter. "No rabbit speaks of glad hopes "During this time the world mopes "Among days lying after the fall. "Who? Who will remind us all "This time of year has its own merit? "I think perhaps we need a ferret."

Yet what day should this ferret bold Choose amongst this time cold? When breaths drift through the air, The ground freezes for times more fair, The sun shines feeble and weak, The icy cold winds howl and shriek, And the nights stretch far and long, To what day would a ferret belong? Winter's first Full Moon shines the way, A bright path towards the next Sunday. Regardless of its lack of fame Norther shall be its name.

Anon, the Norther Ferret gathered treats To tide children over 'til summer heats. She sought gumdrops of red and green, Vanilla wafers for the discerning and keen. Leftover munchies of festivities dead, She picked through with much dread, Choosing only the unspoiled and best, Throwing into compost all the rest. Then, scampering across the frozen wastes, She carried things of good and fine tastes, To good folk of ages young and old, Any and all who bore the chill and cold.

Hither and yon, she sallied forth Thither and beyond, south and north, East and west, and all places between. Wherever she could pass unseen, She left her choice morsels concealed, In nook and cranny, in places unrevealed. Oblivious to the long winter night's chill, When morning's sunlight finally did spill, Bathing the wintry land in a glow so brisk, Back to her burrow, the ferret did frisk. "Norther's over with so much to show. "It's such a pity none will know!"

Art and Poetry © 2010 Marvin E. Fuller