Kiss of Crystal Tears

Softly, softly, good gentle vole,

The palette has changed, but this is still your cozy home.

You were gone quite long, to see the coming of Dawn

And her rosy-fingered dactyls, as the old paens say.

And dressed so nattily! I do believe you had a thorough grooming

To chase the dust and tattiness away.

A wedding you say? How delightful! How wonderful!

Ah, I can envision festivities that included the tipple,

Enough to topple senses, blur the brain synapses,

Confuse your perception, addle appearances.

This is your snug nest, wrapped in the blanket of a first frost.

Never heard of such a thing? Oh, such a young one!

These are Demeter's Tears, for fair Persephone's gone away.

To be fair, I think she enjoys the journey,

Who likes such a clinging mother?

But don't tell her I said that,

I look forward to burgeoning growth come spring.

Frost? Um. Well, this.

Cold, wet like rain when touched, like thin snow.

Snow?

Oh dear, this may take a while.

I'm not sure your throbbing head will take it.

It is cold, but breathe on it. See? It is now water,

The most refreshing drink you will ever have.

Take a taste. See?

That should aid your knobbly noggin.

It is a covering, that vanishes with the sun.

It is an omen. Are your tunnels deep enough?

Have you marked your food sources for the cold season?

The sparrowhawk that could not find you in grass or leaf

Can now spot the black blot against the white.

Sleep well, sleep deep

In your leafy bed

And nibble slowly, make your provisions last.

Me, I shall shake off the last of my leaves,

You may have some more if you need them.

I shall sleep deep, sleep well,

While those chatty squirrels

Nibble at my tips and natter nonsense.

Frost is warning, frost is new instruction,

Frost is cloak and comforter from the chill wind.

Yawn. Sorry!

Frost tells me to nap.

You should as well,

Now that you've quenched your thirst.

Yawnnnn...

Sorry!

Get thee inside, get thee under,

Before the sharp-eyed hawk comes

Looking for a hungover breakfast.

Yawnnnnnn...

Good morrow, gentle vole,

I am for a long rest....