The First of Winter

We are waiting for the snow
which may or may not fall
in flurries if at all;
meanwhile, we will go.
The forecast has been definitely tentative
for days, but there is something in this light,
as it strikes upon the white of houses
and makes the shadows shrink
to utter blackness in the crevices of granite walls,
that makes it seem most certain it will crystallize,
and fill the air around us with the first of winter,
silent,
like a blessing on us all.

December 5 2010