Snow takes no hostages
coats the land in wedding band
silent mesmerising nuptial
sea of frozen water.

It came stealthily in the night
like you used to, hugging contours
settling in folds reaching into crevices
long disused.

The thaw will come as quickly
one minute robed in paradise:
the next a puddle of distrust
turning bright crystals to common mud

leaving mirage memory of perfection.