Sia Parikh

Runner Up

First Snow by Sia Parikh 

We’ll meet again 

At the same time every year

When the pale blue sky returns– 

And when the first snow begins to fall.

The puff of your breath will freeze 

But your heart will keep you warm

The white will glisten on the branches

And you’ll look through your window

With a beautiful smile 

A cup of hot chocolate sits untouched, 

Its sweetness lingering on your tongue

Unchanged by time, 

Etched in memory. 

You rush outside,  

Shielding your face from the icy air 

Gazing into the sky of blue, yellow and white 

Knowing– it’s the first snow 

You’ll hear the faint laughters of little kids

As they throw snowballs at each other

While pine and peppermint swirl around you 

And you realize— 

The sun will set 

The snow will melt

But it will always come back again

At the same time every year 

Because you will continue to live on.