First Snow

I don't know if I am ready
for the snow and cold'
the long winter's nights
and the struggle to survive.

We'll cocoon and hibernate,
wrapped in sweaters
and extra blankets,
with the thermostat set
and the furnace going,
and the lights on early,
and more lights on the house
to chase the dark away.
And I'll push back the snow,
against the storms,
against the forces of nature.
And we will sing cherished songs
of eternal springs,
eating the fruits of last summer,
while the snow falls.
I know what it means,
I know what I will do.
Ready or not, it's winter.

(And the snowbirds on the highway,
migrate to the south.)