LCARS
Library Computer Access and Retrieval System

The People of the Snow
Shawn Thornburg

We are the people of the snow
Who emerge only when that
Blessed blanket of love
Shrouds the land. The city night
Draws us out and lights our play
While the fearful many sleep or worry.
Like children, that frozen wonderland
Brings us joy, but it brings us
Something children may never know:
Silence--the great release--
When we can know ourselves
And define our lives
And gather our minds
And maintain our sanity.
Then comes Spring 'round the bend,
And once more, refreshed and new,
We are called back to life
And its ever-present company.
We watch ever closer for the next love,
And fear--or welcome--the final silence
Which Children should never know.

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