“My nature is a blessing, and it's mine This bleak terrain, a paradise to me The air I breathe is frigid, yet divine.

Enjoy your Springtime and your Summer wine Take in the sun with wonder and esprit Your nature is a blessing, but not mine.

The creatures of my nights are not supine Their mission to survive and never flee The air they breathe is chilling, yet divine.

Great Snowy Owl, majestic, fearsome, fine The Goddess speaks in starry nights, so free Her nature is a blessing, and it's mine.

The polar bear and walrus swim the brine We celebrate the ice and all agree The air we breathe is frosty, yet divine.

From frozen throne, I let my scepter shine Dear cousins of the Fall, farewell to thee The blessed arctic Winter, I call mine The glacial air I breathe is so divine.”

• Theo J. van Joolen