Re-post: Snow and Silence

Wascana Lake, Regina, Sask November 2020

I walked last night with two friends. Lake Okanagan was still. It was -7C.

Lights lined the waterfront 

and climbed through the city 

spread into the hills.

Snow fell delicately 

crystalled white flakes 

against a darkened sky. 

A light breeze persuaded 

these sparklets of ice to 

slip sideways through 

dried leaves and drifting

golden willow branches.

Veils of steam rose in

fine clouds that hovered

inches from the lake’s

glassy black surface.

Crunching, matched footsteps of 

three bundled up women

broke through snow and silence,

covered ears and crisp footsteps 

quieted any words wandering away

on puffs of breath into the snow drift.

An ever faithful flock of ducks huddled

 ~ warm to warm ~ green and brown heads 

tucked under shining wings out of the cold.

Water blocks stared at the marina ~ 

glossy, black and empty ~ 

spaces beside the dock

where few boats wintered,

blanketed with snow and

resting in the stillness.

I walked last night with two friends. 

Lake Okanagan was still.

It was -7C.

“Silence is a source of great strength.”

~ Lao Tzu

Author’s note:  Snow fell as silently today in Regina, but evoked the same emotions as this poem from Kelowna, Dec. 13, 2000. Such a silent snow fall is gentle and kind.