Softly Reassuring

In the barn the cattle’s breath
floats, a warm mist touched by
the smell of dung and straw.
In the fold, the sheep huddle,
their rhythmic bleating, softly
                 reassuring.

In the farm kitchen a red glow
throws shadowy flames
flickering across the walls. 
Wet boots dry out on the hearth.
The sound of snow, softly
                 reassuring.

From the warm parlour
the notes of a piano
sound out
over the white wilderness;
old, familiar tunes, softly
                              reassuring.