Forgiveness

The first snow fell this morning,
early,
while I was busy
making the kids breakfast,
showering,
preparing for the day.

It changed the look
of the landscape,
covering over
still-green grass,
the muddied spots,
making shrubs and
forgotten tools
into unfamiliar objects.

The clean brightness
made walking difficult,
my steps uncertain,
known paths treacherous,
and obstacles hidden.
Tentative forays
into new places
ended with cold, wet feet
and only a little
noticeable progress.

When the snow melts
from the heat of morning’s sun,
does the ground have
a new perspective,
or underneath
is it still all the same?