Yesterday, new snow covered the ground;,
softly coating every branch and twig, made
the backyard a pristine winter paradise.
Yesterday's billows drifted overnight, crusted
into stationary waves on the lawn, dimpling
around trees, glistening in the bright sun.
Today branches slicked with sunlight;, slivers
of gleam on winter-bared twigs, wink
and sparkle, simply beam now
as yesterday's snow melts and refreezes
into an icy jeweled coat reflecting the cold
glow of short Midwestern January daylight.
first published in Illinois State Poetry Society
©2016 Bonnie Manion