This Snow

In five hours, a foot of snow fell,

On late February ground,

Where the last of the winter snow had melted.

The stillness of the downfall was breathtaking,

The beauty surreal and out of place,

It was almost spring for heaven’s sake!

It is something to talk about, this snow,

A conversation starter for retired men,

Over morning cups of coffee at the local café.

An excuse for the ladies to chat,

Sharing gossip amid favorite recipes for stew,

All speak of other years, other memorable storms.

And the children, well, they clamor for mittens and hats,

Make happy snowmen, go sledding and such,

And beg for marshmallows,

In their waiting cups of rich hot chocolate.