If the oak its bounty spreads,
and ‘cross the ground its acorns sheds,
then Winter bears a snowy shawl
of eiderdown, to blanket all.
If Autumn enters, warm and nice,
then Winter’s bringing snow and ice.
If cold August follows hot July,
then Winter will be hard and dry.
When out walking, look to see
if hungry woodpeckers share a tree;
for, if they do, you’ll surely know
a Winter harsh and full of snow.
Look careful, close, and you will spy
if wasps all build their nests up high;
for if they build them nice and low,
the chance is fair for little snow.
If early drifts of monarchs fly,
then Winter’s coming, by and by;
but if they sit and rest a spell,
you’ll find the cold will wait as well.
Crickets ‘round the fireplace
mean Jack Frost’s coming with his lace,
to lay it on the fallen leaves
and icicle-deck each house’s eaves.
If Lady Moon slips on her ring,
then inclement weather’s beckoning;
but if she gives a subtler glow,
kind weather’s coming, not more snow.