It Smells Like Snow

Mama used to say

It smells like snow,

and I didn't understand,

but knew that when she said it,

snow was surely coming.

Daddy would put chains on his truck,

and get his big ugly boots

out of the closet,

Because they have traction, he said.

Me and sis would just wonder

if there would be school the next day

since it smelled like snow,

and mama always seemed to know.

I remember going to bed,

staring out the window,

wondering what the morning

would bring, and sleep would

soon come to me...and calm

the butterflies in my tummy.

In the morning, before the sun

had even risen, I would barely

crack my eyes open,

and the room would have a

peculiar glow, as if it was

surrounded by angels or something.

And I'd know...

I'd hop out of bed, feet on the cold floor,

and I'd rush to the window;

The world would be transformed

into a beautiful white fairyland,

where ice crystals were clinging to tree limbs

for dear life,

and snow formations had drifted against

Daddy's old pump out in the yard.

I'd go wake up sis,

and mama would tell us to bundle up;

We'd put on coats, snow caps, mittens, boots,

and we'd trudge outside through the white stuff,

cold and smiling, mouths open wide,

catching snowflakes on our tongues,

and falling back onto the snow,

flapping our arms to see who could make

the best snow angel.

It smells like snow, Mama used to say.

I smile in the remembering

as I watch the sky;

The night air is cold and still, and

it just seems different somehow,

as if angels will be paying a visit soon.

Ahhh...so this is what she meant,

I think to myself.

I take a deep breath

and look up at the sky,

as I whisper,

Mama? You should be here.

It smells like snow."