Snow, March 1959

We had a winter once,

when family huddled around a kitchen stove.  

and overstuffed chairs were dragged 

into the middle of a room 

we played guessing games by candlelight

 “careful, don’t singe your hair,”

 warned mother. 

parents bundled small children

into bed, wrapped in parkas and quilts 

as the snow cast its spell

and the power grid tested its mettle 

come morning, we dressed in rubber boots 

and ill-fitting jackets; 

marched out into the biggest snow

our innocence ever would see. 

~~~~~

don’t forget your mittens, 

build an igloo as

shelter during these uncertain times

prepare for the worst, little people,

a bigger storm comes your way. 

try not to worry when the fire burns out 

and God’s electricity is restored