Practicing Winter

This early in the season
it’s still all practice.
World runs through its moves
like memorizing flash cards or scales.
This is how snow sits in
a field of corn stubble,
pockmarked little faces.
This is how it falls
straight down, silent—
Remember the hint is the word “blanket”
for sidewalks and flat suburban lawns.
Trees? Pay attention.
You’re always drifting off
when you’re the most rooted of all.
Stop dreaming of bird’s nests and concentrate
on holding still for that one perfect line of
snow on every twig.
Apple tree, the way you shape that drift
in the curve of your branch
so it looks like a heart
is perfect. We’re ready
for opening night.