chicadees at my feeder
seed consumed heartily
soft, white designs float
onto the tiny birds
arriving before the
day of thanks

layers of snow crystals
cover leaves, trees,
inquisitive squirrels,
the chilly feel is an
alive sensation

so soon, winter greets
a world preparing
for the feast of gratitude
the coolness is felt by
wide eyed foxes,
nibbling deer
watchful coyotes

humans in coats,
boots, scarves
survey the scenery
chattering in earnest
"what does winter bring?"

the early arrival of
the white stuff
is the talk of the town
as nature makes her
presence known