The Snowy Day

I like to watch the children play, upon a wintry, snowy day; like

little elves they run about, and leap and slide, and laugh and shout.

This side of heaven can there be such pure and unmixed ecstasy?  I lean

upon ye rustic stile, and watch the children with a smile, and think

upon a vanished day, when I, as joyous, used to play, when all the

world seemed young and bright, and every hour had its delight; and, as

I brush away a tear, a snowball hits me in the ear.

                                                                      

                                                                                                 by Walt Mason