Today the first snow
At first sight a gasp of surprise, the white
Cover
Joy at the change of season
Change that is so hard to love and to accept

Yesterday, caring for the garden
One of the last days of autumn sun
The leaves raked and bagged
Looking around the garden at plants still valiant
Green, even blooming
Heedless of the snow to come that night

For my winter tomorrows
I noticed and put away
For long days
Of cold, snow, sleet, darkness
The buds of lilac ready to bloom
In Spring