Poems (McDonald)/The First Snow
THE FIRST SNOW


Thy mantle white is on the senseless earth, Spirit of Winter—old Eolus rude Pipes from his northern home in fiercest mood; And o'er the crisped wreaths, with shouts of mirth, And chiming bells, and laughter ringing free, Glides the swift sleigh; while merry urchins play, Tossing the frozen balls in heart-felt glee, Or forming uncouth shapes of monsters grim, To melt like youthful hopes, when next the ray Of noontide streams on each misshapen limb. The naked branches wear a spotless vest— While through the window infant faces peep, Lured from their downy beds and early sleep, Wondering to mark the earth in wintry garments drest.