Late winter snow gains impact br through element of surprise br and potential disappointment br burying, as it may, br the tender shoots of spring br br Stepping on the toes br of springs first warming rain br the sudden return of snowflakes br guarantees a thicker flocking br on every branch and twig br Night’s chill will seal this fluff br like crystallizing sugar sets cake frosting br br I would rather dream of green br buds on trees and shoots of flowers br spared swaddle beneath snow’s blanket br br Such choice will not be given br Snow falls, snowfalls br till winter discerns its endbr br Mary Havranbr br