The crispness of Saturday morning with autumn now a dream

Frozen crystal feathers on the pane form a wintry scene



Escaping the warmth of my blankets I’d skate across that cold wooden floor

Waking all the others as I darted past their doors



I’d run for the door without a thought and my mom would get so mad

Get in here right now mister before I get your dad



The first snow had fallen and I couldn’t feel the cold

Outside in my pajamas now I understand her scold



I couldn’t wait to get ready as I opened the closet in the hall

All my winter coverings smelled of musk and old mothballs



My mittens on a string to lace through my woolen coat

My scarf around my neck to keep the cold off my throat



Snow pants in my boot tops to keep me warm and dry

My mom would put my hat on last right down to the top of my eyes



In a flash, I was out the door whirling in white powder fluff

Laughing with every tumble, man, I just loved that stuff



Rolling three giant snowballs each one bigger than the next to form our yards guardian

He was better than all the rest



We’d grab our sleds and saucers and head for Manitauk Hill

The rich kids had toboggans and for one of those I’d kill



Sledding down that mountainside as far as I could go

Lost within my winter fun so thankful for that snow



When the day was over just before my time to go

I’d lie down in a cloud of white to form an angel in the snow



With rosy cheeks and runny nose I’d yell out, “mom I’m home”

I’d get undressed and warm myself with hot cocoa and marshmallow foam

11/08/2003