Dance of Winter

by Allen
(North Carolina)

Snowflakes descend from the sky
like the blown dandelions of angels.
Each containing its own
rhythm, beat, and pattern.
Each landing softly on their fated destinations
as ballerinas land softly on their toes.
Some blow this way and that
as if following the waltz;
while others fall slowly
imitating the graceful swans of the lake.
Each following the wind like leaves,
until they settle backstage
on the sturdy ground,
where they watch the others follow behind them.
After the last cadence strikes,
they end their performance with silent applause
of the cold blanket they have made.