Winter is

a muted chill of snow-laced
branches where environmentalists gather
to debate the pros and cons of
Global Warming
a buzz word for now time and space.

One day rain another snow and then the
epi-center of rage

kids not caring
as long as snow is higher than a mountain
for skiing
and freezing rain keeps those school
doors closed forever. And we

who carry long faces try to remember
deep snow up to shoulder blades
walking in bare feet
snow shoes along for the ride
and tales saved up for those who will
one day ask questions
about the way it once was.

© Richard L. Provencher