First snow

A sharp crystal downs and downs

a million dozen times, piling

over hours and coming out round.

When we walk, dodging plows,

the flakes seek out our sounds

and gather them into banks.

We can't find the sidewalk.

The imperfection of wrought iron,

hats and cars all white, all gone.

Forgetfulness descended in bits,

frozen pink by street light.

When we wake, we don't dare

go outside, slowly knowing

we are not angels but impressions

prone in the snow, in love with blushed air

and surprised anything can change,

can make us change overnight.

Thankful, hemlocks thankful for the weight.

(c) Copyright 1999. The Christian Science Publishing Society