down, down the snowy hill
frozen giggles and mittens grabbing joy
grab it, winter girls, ride it
on sled tracks and carefree clouds
to all of your nows, laugh and again
feel the white delight of unbroken mornings
become the sky, it’s yours
enjoy the ride
I keep them frozen in the moment of joy,
soaring through southern summer heat
with squeals and laughter that only linger
in tender youth. Their toes point like dancers,
hands reach skyward – up, up, up –
it’s all out there for them to seize,
a sky of possibilities, where each will find
her own blue, create her clouds.
Time may move, but I keep them here, safe,
in this place, where their summer days at the lake
pass gently, with joy and promise. As long as I
hold them here, in a golden frame,
they shall never be swallowed up
by the dark, cold waters beneath them.
Talking to the Clouds 