Spectacle of Winter

The quaking aspen
Its shivering leaves
Long since yellowed and fallen
Spreads bare branches

A net to capture
Brittle broken crystals
Falling gently
Alighting on smallest twig
A coat of soft white
On gnarled white bark

I watch
Mesmerised as always
By this spectacle of winter
Falling snow
In a world of muffled sound
And peaceful countenance

Grateful for the gift
I must acknowledge
Only the world’s fortunate climes
Ever come to know