Glittering crystals spiral down
catching in the frigid wind
collecting in a soft clean blanket
on top of the filth choked ground

Children laughing, singing
saccharine tones floating
filling the neighborhood with music
layering every heart has its own song

Flames leap from the hearth
wood crackling and popping
warmth glissades its way through the quaint room
tickling even the smallest mouse

Tramping snow into the dwelling
brings cold back to the mouse
hats fly, mittens sail
sibling squabbles break out

Steam rises from a mug
bister liquid sloshes back and forth
scalding the tongue
of an impatient child

Relaxing is a luxury stolen
taken from their mother
she feels something coming
brewing in the  air

First the chill then the voice is lost
tissues litter the ground
coughing fits and headaches
She can never catch a break!