winter crossing

As a leaf falls a ship shall depart
from a pier as from a tree in cinnamon Autumn
to where the water runs deeper than the blue ice on a glaciers frosty bottom

then shall the brave vessel bob and weave and twirl in the frothy ocean
like the colourful leaves on the hill that whistle and blow and mix like an ominous potion

on the lake beneath the quiet forest before
sinking to a watery grave and freezing beneath the waves as others have in days of yore

Sailors working her sails and hovering below decks weary-
praying to almighty Neptune for delivery,sweating bravery,and cursing fearfully
-in the face of winters peppermint fury

as sugar plum spring returns it will bring dazzling new sailors and leaves
on the lips of a delicious April breeze
for next years winter crossing