After the Snow

Pools of water gather on sodden grass,
where just yesterday
children slid and played.
And the park sang with their
delighted cries and shrieks.
And dogs yapped and snapped
at falling flakes.
And grown-ups trudged
and talked to strangers.
And smiled.

Now, the magical restored to everyday,
but loses something in the returning.
The decorations taken down and
packed away for another year.
Dreariness weighs heavy
from a leaden sky
and drips from branches.
And silence.