First Snowfall

SUNLIT LABYRINTH

FIRST SNOWFALL

Flake over flake,

The snow-drifts gather . . .

More light

Than mist upon a lake,

More quiet

Than tired hands joined at last together

When clamorous pride is heard no more

Than spectral drums of a dead war.

Flake over flake . . .

An interval

Of slow release!

There is no arrogance in these

Small tranquil petals

That fall and settle

Upon the harsh unyielding ground,

Resistlessly . . . without a sound. . . .