January.

JANUS am I; oldest of potentates!

Forward I look and backward, and below

I count

as god of avenues and gates

The years that through my portals come and go.
I block the roads and drift the fields with snow,
I chase the wild-fowl from the frozen fen;
My frosts congeal the rivers in their flow,

My fires light up the hearths and hearts of men.
Written for the Children's Almanac.