Joy Stored

Snow fell silently across the rough slope
covering the landscape's ragged grain.
The little boy filled with joy and hope,
ran into white wonder in spite of his pain.

"Look at it, Mother," he shouted. "It's magic.
I see a castle and there's a great horse."
She saw the scene as completely tragic.
"It's a lie," she said. "It will melt, of course."

The child made tracks to circle round
and gaze on her with solemn eyes.
"The snow will melt and soak the ground
but the beauty here is not made of lies."

"I know I'm dying, but you don't need to be sad.
Now there is laughter and white flakes in the air.
One day you'll remember that today we were glad.
And when you remember, I will be there."