First Snow

We felt the first bite of cold as we explored

The newly fallen snow on the shore.

Even with the last three days on the lake,

Wind-swept and cloud-heavy,

It came as a suprise

And although the skies carried the promise of rain,

And the lake picked up, loud and full

We expected nothing more.

Yet like an unwanted guest it came,

It's gusty skeleton rattling in the night

Clanking the cottage furnace and waking us both.

We closed the door and rolled over until morning,

When we were awoken by icicle fingers at the window

And thunder--

Cleverly disguised.

Then like a curtain rising and revealing the stage,

I pulled open the blinds.

There stood our restless messenger

We were weary eyed and unprepared for the show.

A quick pang of grief,

Followed by a sobering acceptance

Of a mid-October winter,

And forgiveness of this event.

For nature, in all her glory,

Is an oblivious intruder,

And blameless she remains,

As it is our own hand,

That forces the seasons.

Here we fret like hungry children at our tired mother

And she responds as one would--

Can't satisfy the need.

Our all consuming, always taking

Forever taking, greed.

She's depleted and erratic, unpredictable, unkind.

So she brings us long winter.

We are no match.

Forcing her rhythms to suit our own

Distracted, hot-tempered, flighty,

Unsure....