First Snow

Coming out of nowhere

on a beautiful starry night,

a silent night,

a light, cold breeze

stung my eyes.

The weather was changing.

As it does between Fall and Winter.

Inside, the Coal Stove was popping

My aunt had been preparing

for a cold night.

Nothing warmed the house faster

than that old, ugly, beautiful stove.

Hours later

I glanced outside.

The moonlight

created a silver glow.

The scenery

around the farm had changed.

Sharp lines of the country landscape,

were now smoothed

by the gleaming snow.