The World Gets A Little Softer

I pull on sleeves and lace up boots, fingers fumbling in excitement,

and quick glances out the window confirm it, the first snow of the season.

This comes with a tradition, a ritual started years ago,

careful steps on slippery brick sidewalks,

snowflakes gathering in my hair,

a cheap hot chocolate from a machine in a 24-hour convenience store,

the styrofoam cup keeps my hands and insides warm as I take slow sips,

and I walk aimlessly, taking in the view,

watching the world become a little softer, a little more sparkly,

until the snow stops or the cup empties, whichever comes first.