(December 1982) First frost

The first frost lies on the receiving grass

with a shimmer of Silk

Palest green beneath, strengthens to meet

the misty light of the yet unrisen sun.

Rain, gales and bitter cold

may follow,

Snow and slush, with all its attendant hazards

may develop, but I saw

The first frost of winter on the grass,

and I will not forget

its fragile beauty.