Berries festooning shrubs, hedges and trees, br Crimson and scarlet in profusion they cluster. br And stay hanging on as the winds start to bluster, br These fruits, to the birds, all hunger appease. br br With red-blooded richness, they welcome the season br Of ice and deep snow, so frozen and cold. br Resisting all efforts to relinquish their hold, br Whatever the trial, whatever the reason. br br In bunches suspended they glisten in sunlight, br As if they’d been polished to a brilliant shine. br A delectable sight this panorama of carmine, br Against winter’s background, so glitteringly white.