The Condition of Snow

(inspired by Lynn Strongin’s

Once, I wanted to go home again)

I.

The first snow is a light snow,

an unpredicted flurry

that barely registers against yard lights.

Missed by weather pundits,

everyone panics,

schools close,

offices empty,

cash registers quiet.

Too fluffy for snowmen,

even chocolate topped

with marshmallows

seems a snow job.

II.

The second snow a heavy snow;

holidays disrupted,

children worry who will eat

their cookies

and drink their milk.

Foreseen on its way from the Arctic,

everyone prepares –

classrooms hushed,

desk empty for the slopes

shopping carts wait.

Perfect to form

missiles for a war,

snow suits huddle

behind snow forts,

bombard friend and foe alike.

III.

The last snow mixes with rain,

silver ice and sleet

blind drivers headed for home.

Forecasts do not matter

huddled together

in Grandma’s thin blankets -

no lights,

internet,

hot cocoa

Snowbirds cluster

under the barberry

as they wait for the remains

of a cold dinner

to be tossed on a snowbank.