white blanket slipped over decay

noise dampened in crisp cleansed air

padded footsteps in pajamas

smiling faces expectantly waiting

engines idle while work begins

satisfying scrape of snow shovel against concrete

crooked snowman missing its mitten

junior architect crafts snowbank fort

cocoa sliding down warm throats

crackling fire soothes aching muscles

wet clothing on steaming radiators

such promise at the gates of winter

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