Shhhh, the sound of nothing
the snow sits on branches
the sky blue
sunlight splashing in shadows
on white ground.
Then you hear it
whoosh, the snow falls from the roof
the fire crackles
the house seems to breathe
empty
then full
children’s laughter
plans
clomping feet in boots
cold air
rushes in
heat rises
snow melting
in puddles on the floor.
The quiet
comes and goes
in between
the spaces
fill with life
but even the spaces
they exist
surrounded
by the noise
the quiet
is real
it tucks
itself
against us
warm blankets
fuzzy socks
hot coffee
the quiet descends
comfort
and we are alone
but the space
expectant
knowing
the noise
the laughter
will return.
For now
quiet
engulfs me in a hug
shhhhhhh
quiet’s here.