The Benediction

When I was young, an old kids' tale
Said that a ring around the moon
Like that betokened morning snow.
Oh, how fucking ardently I

Believed. I wanted it to snow;
I always wanted it to snow.
I wanted snow enough to swath
The world in quiet white for months.

I've learned, since then, that snow can trap
You without food or company,
Hunkered in the mountains,
Waiting for spring to set you free.

I've become acquainted with snow's
Terrifying witch sister, ice.
I know now, I know. But I wait
In the unlikeliest Zion

And hope the unlikeliest hope
That tonight the haloed full moon
Promises tomorrow the snow
On snow on snow on snow on snow.