October Snow

© 2011 Mary Saracino

The thick, wet snow 

burdens the boughs

of startled maple trees

the menacing visitor arrived

unexpectedly

bearing its unseasonably early gifts;

in the front yard

the smallest tree, once splendid in its flaming glory

blushes

unable to conceal

its naked soul

its delicate leafless limbs

no longer able to hide

its longing

for summer sun

for nesting birds

for languid days of

endless desire.