First Snowfall

The last of autumn’s leaves begins assault Of winter gales. The sap within the trees In hibernating xylems call a halt To most activity to some degree. The birds that once resided amongst them Already left for warmer spots unknown. A few remain behind but are condemned To weather winters snow and ice alone. The snow begins to fall. At first, a flake, Then more and more until the trees are white And weighted. Branches, weak, begin to break And fall to earth and soon are crowned despite The slackened storm. The wind subsides and all Is quiet and calmness follows the squall.