First Snow

Small eyes peek out the window,
Daring to hope for what was promised last night
And are not disappointed by a blank canvas landscape
Pledging an unbridled romp through the winter morning

Rush to the closet, button up coats
Yank on a cap
Engine out the door, letting it close behind
And seizing a sled by the fence, they’re off!

A race is won, then a snowball thrown
Then another, and another
Forts are raised for the grand armies’ battle
As Thwomp! A shot hits the mark!

A white flag is raised and, exhausted,
The warriors flomp down where they stand
Snow in their boots, soaking their socks
Breath coming in deep, huffing gasps

They stare skyward
At the falling swarms of cloud children
Parachuting from their perch above
Pelting us groundfolk with white

A flake of snow pecks a nose
Cheeks flushed, eyes alight with wonder
As bundled hands reach out to touch, but when brought close
Turns to rain

And now stand up, tired from play
Promises of warm blanket and Mother’s hot cocoa await
As they close the door on their snow day
In hopes of more blizzards to come