Winter

The leaves have curled and fallen;
The trees have closed for winter.
Low rays of sun strain through the frosty haze.
The cold anaesthetises all feeling, until upon exhalation
Visible breath reminds me I am alive.
A blanket of white covers a multitude of sins:
The dingiest city street transformed into a greetings card scene;
A million tiny particles unite as a quilt, to keep the city warm.
Each flake of snow exists in its own space and time,
Never seen before, never to come again.
A crystal for each life on earth, every one unique.
Bare branches silhouette against the sky's pale blue,
Like hands stretching towards the heavens,
Clasping at clouds and teasing out snow,
Until their covering returns.
As the nights draw closer, so we too adhere,
Drawing in for warmth of form and feeling.
The icy frost crunches beneath our feet,
While snowflakes softly bless our crowns,
A gentle kiss with each soft touch.
The cycle of time provokes our retrospect,
Yet hints at what is yet to come:
All has slowed and sleeps until the year awakes with renewed hope.
From this frozen framework growth will spring,
Just like the eponymous season.