Gift of Snow
by Gay Williford

Very occasionally,
in the early winter dawn,
radio voices announce school closings…
Suddenly …
an iron gate latch releases
and the day opens wide
spreading a white expanse before us
offering hills to sled,
angels to wing
and snow forts to man.

There is a hush over the world,
deadening shovel scrapes and passing tires.
A stillness pervades the house,
inflating our growing excitement,
accentuating the word “snug”…
as we down hot oatmeal to fortify,
homemade soups and muffins to warm,
hot cocoa and herb teas to thaw.

Red cheeks and noses tingle,
wet mittens drip before the fire,
boots shed slush on floor mats
and damp jackets smell like wet dogs.

Neighbors invite each other to play;
puzzles leap from boxes,
checkers jump their boards
and novel pages beg to be turned.

Snow days are special gifts,
encouraging closeness,
yielding a time for awe,
friendship and reflection …
bringing an insistence
that life slow down to include
simple pleasures.



 

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