Winter In Maine

 

The night is dark-

And, the air is still.

I slip on my boots-

And, head up the hill.

 

I hear the crunch,

Of footprints in snow-

Up to the barn--

Check plow, and go.

 

The stars shine brightly,

My breath hangs low,

Lamps in the windows,

With warmth, all aglow.

 

I start the engine,

And, head back around-

Headlights are streaming

On down, toward the town.

 

A number of yards,

Are waiting to open--

Now, teachers and students,

Not a word spoken....

 

Ears are all perked

To hear the announcer--

"NO SCHOOL TODAY!"

That's all I remember!!

 

Then bodies, which usually--

Sleepily go--drop all of their books,

And, fly by in the snow!!

 

Sleds, skates and skis,

Are the tools of the day.

Cold feet, and, wet mittens-

Don't seem to delay--

The running and leaping,

Snowballing and creeping-

To catch--unawares---

Another team sleeping.

 

Before they go in,

Snow angels, they make--

To freeze for tomorrow--

"Mid-Winter Break"!!!

 

 

by

Shirley Ruksznis Young ©1999