The Snow that never drifts

Emily Dickinson

 

The Snow that never drifts --
The transient, fragrant snow
That comes a single time a Year
Is softly driving now --
 
So thorough in the Tree
At night beneath the star
That it was February's Foot
Experience would swear --
 
Like Winter as a Face
We stern and former knew
Repaired of all but Loneliness
By Nature's Alibit --
 
Were every storm so spice
The Value could not be --
We buy with contrast -- Pang is good
As near as memory --

 

(Note: Though Dickinson, could be a little cryptic at times, we think this is a pretty clear tribute to powder snow.  We haven’t figured out who Pang is;  if he stops by the table at Alf’s at 11, let us know (he must be a really good skier to get such a high complement from Emily).