Something I’d like to do in 2011 is read more poetry than I did last year. I’m printing out quite a few I like and hope to spend time with, and will keep my new friends in a notebook handy. I have an old three-ring binder that can’t hold another sheet, and I’ll like to get re-acquainted with some of those verses, too. As I was browsing my computer collection I ran across one that I’d like to have written myself this morning.
Today’s a nipping day, a biting day;
In which one wants a shawl,
A veil, a cloak, and other wraps:
I cannot ope to everyone who taps,
And let the draughts come whistling thro’ my hall;
Come bounding and surrounding me,
Come buffeting, astounding me,
Nipping and clipping thro’ my wraps and all.
From ‘Winter: My Secret’, Christina Rossetti.
Gladsome Lights 
I found Christina Rossetti's Collected Poems when I was cleaning up for a guest last week. She really was a wonderful poet.
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I would love a year of more poetry. Isn't it strange that something so relaxing and designed to make us pensive, takes such energy to DO? I love Rossetti. Thanks for this beautiful sample.
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Rossetti would be my poet of choice, I think, and this one describes today perfectly. That is a good goal you have. ~Leslie
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Yes, this is a good poem for today!
I love reading poetry and find I enjoy choosing a poet for a season and immersing myself in his or her work. Last summer it was Lucille Clifton, more recently Mary Oliver. I find when I read poetry regularly, I pay closer attention to the world and find it even more interesting.
xofrances
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Christina Rossetti is one of my favorite poets. I've not read this one of hers. We had one of those nipping biting days. It was -15 this morning and never got above 0. And then there was the east wind. Brrrr.
Jody
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