When the Snow Falls in Late March

When the Snow Falls in Late March

When the Snow Falls in Late March

When the snow falls in December, I love it.

so festive and playful

contrasting the summer’s green mountains

My childhood memories of sledding, snowball fights and forts,

of sticking out my tongue to catch

the slow falling nearly suspended flakes.

But it is the end of March,

and I am anxiously awaiting spring in Vermont

to bring hope and rebirth

as the first purple crocuses pop

from this winter’s

fertilized ground and green, green grass.

A near whiteout today

with a foot of the fluffy stuff

still coming down,

all a bit disorienting.

Two days and forty-two years ago

You perished in a snow squall

Were you scared?

I bet you remained the optimist in the group of four

until the crash.

With a bump on the head,

you flew out of the crumpling plane landing

Face down

unconscious from the blow

Your brain finally tried to reengage your breath

but the beautiful white snow

had packed your nostrils and mouth.

No exchange could be made

Except your lives for theirs--

the two grandchildren of the pilot,

your best friend.

I miss you, snow angel.