the S word

Most of us have seen it,

smelled it,

maybe tasted it,

played with it,

prayed for it,

even sat in it.

But did you ever make a corsage out of it to wear to your school prom?

The Inuit have dozens of names to capture the many nuances of...

Snow!

Call those soft, full flakes floating down

wings of white butterflies,
Call it piranha when it bites your cheeks,
…or kitten when it sleeps in the

crooks of window.
Call it forgiveness when it lies like balm over an area that's been clear cut,
Call it tickle when you stand, arms outstretched, and catch it on your tongue.
Call snow lace when it lines the

limbs of lilacs,
…or grandmother when it rests in the

porch swing.
Call it prayer in its stillness.
Call it mouse when it squeaks under your boot,
…or trickster if it appears on April 1st.

And,

In the evening when snow delivers you to the comfort of hearthfire,

call it friend.

(adapted from Judi K Beach's 'names for snow')

trinkyi         first snow of the year 

tlapat          still snow