First Snow

Tumbling to Earth

 in clumps 

etching branches

in pearl,

  swirling snow conceals

frozen ground.

We can almost believe

  an Earth untouched

by sorrow or grief.

Shadows 

are only twigs,

until the Clouds turn Dark.

Coyote has been shot;

his mate is howling. 

 I am soaking

 the forest in blue.

Nature’s artistry

astonishes me.

Hares leap,

Partridge  hieroglyphics

guide me.

I wind myself around

woodland paths

on padded feet,

reach the river

whose waters

 flow, each

rill marking

eternity

 in the Round.