The First Snow

Little animals hunker down

As the cold winds begin to blow

Leaves off of their sturdy supports

Branches bare

Stark against the white snow that slowly begins

To drift

Down, from the skies above.

Grey clouds hang over the sleepy town

The crisp air urging people to stay inside

Warm by the fire

Cozy in fuzzy socks

Cuddling beneath the blankets

To hide

From the sharp pang of winter.

The nights are growing longer

The sun may rise earlier

But sets earlier too

Beckoning instead the moon

And stars

To shine

Brightening the 5 o'clock darkness.

The first snow is full of emotions

Sadness at a season passed

Fear of ice and famine

Wonder at the white droplets

Joy of skis and sleds, itching

To ride

Feet writing poetry on slopes of white paper.

Snow beckons with the promise

Of melting on your cheeks

Of turning your eyelashes white

Of laughter and falling snow

As forts are built and snowballs launched

To play

Amongst the frozen water.

A day filled with snow

Ends best with friends

Eating a hot meal together

Stripping off wet socks

Sitting by the fire

To dry

And warm your body, heart, and soul.

As the snow falls

Raise your arms to the sky Embracing everything the season brings

The cold and numbness

Sharp pain as fingers thaw

To realize

That sometimes you need a chilly wake up call

To appreciate all the warmth that surrounds you.