Helen Northup poem:

Here we sit, my man and me
Just as cozy as can be.
Outside are heaps so cold and white
While up above, the moon is bright.

My mind goes back to nights of old
When we, all bundled 'gainst the cold
Would pile into the home-made sleigh
Down the snow-clad road - away
The antique sleigh-bells gaily ring
While we all shout and laugh and sing.

Now, that road is paved and bare.
Cars go zipping here and there.
The joyful children all are grown
And Vyron and I sit here alone.

Yes, here we are, and glad to be.
Those days are past, and so, you see
With stiffened joints and eyes grown dim
With cautioned care for life and limb

Better off inside to stay
And dream and doze the hours away.
Only remembering now and then
Those joyous days of what has been.

Happy and blest indeed are we
To have this gift of memory.
We'll gladly watch the younger set
Ski and skate all cold and wet
Risking their necks and legs and arms
While we are safe and dry and warm.

By Helen Northup