The Loosening Grip of Winter

The snow outside my window tonight is like American power and influence

I would think it was as good as ever

If I hadn't seen it two days ago and

If 

Earlier

Before darkness and temperatures fell 

Again

I hadn't seen it and heard it

Running away

With the rain

Off the roof

Across the driveway

Down the street

If I hadn't seen it and

Didn't remember it but

My memory won't be as clear tomorrow

When I awake in the morning and

Put on my boots and

Gloves and

Hat and

My winter jacket

Both layers and

I'm still shivering

Still under its spell

Still making allowances for it

Still grimacing and grousing under its power

Still convinced

At least until

I am back inside

Wearing a t-shirt and 

Looking at Friday's forecast

Wondering when

Like each of the less remarkable winters that have come before it

This one will disappear from even

My mornings and evenings

Wondering when it will loosen its grip