The descending snow lifts the soul,
a cleansing decluttering—
breathing freer within.

It sculpts a fresh dreamscape.
a blank page awaiting our footsteps,
an open playground,
beckoning us to remembrance
when childhood joy ran deep
and the cold melted into mirth.

We built snow forts—temporary kingdoms,
launched snowball fights across the drive.
fistfuls of packed snow flew, loosed with laughter.

Chased falling crystals
that vanished on the tongue.

We tunneled beneath the silence,
sledded out of control down frozen hills,
hearts pounding,
tangled fear and delight,
breath rising in little clouds,
nose tingling with frost,
never feeling the cold.

Today’s newly arrived snowfall—
a playground offered,
where time loosens into memory,
where stillness is not enforced
but cherished;

and for a while
we are nothing but remembered joy,
an airy drift of carefree delight,
even if we only walk through the snow.

Originally written: Begun 1/23-1/31, 2024.
Finished 1/24-1/25/2026