A calendar flip meant October was lost,

But also created the cue for Jack Frost—

A snap of his fingers made temperatures drop,

And forced beneficial candescence to stop.

The wind became blustery, howling away,

As icicles settled and threatened to stay—

They formed around houses; they took hold and marked

The flagpole and landscape, and vehicles parked.

The glistening bars caged the area fast,

While citizens wondered how long this would last.

Surrounded by obstacles, feeling the squeeze,

Some people in town couldn’t budge from the freeze.

But those who were able helped out in a snap,

Providing the groceries to bridge the food gap.

Close neighbors invited a share of their feast

Of turkey and ham with a side dish of peace.

Together they sat, watching Cowboys and Chiefs

With snaps to the quarterbacks raising beliefs.

And when the festivities came to an end,

Encouraging words were exchanged between friends:

Remember, it’s only a snapshot in time—

A change will approach, everything will be fine.

The winter will end, and the frozen will that,

And wrath from the bitter Jack Frost will be gone.

Lauren Clifford is the Poet Laureate of Newtown. The second resident appointed to the commission, she is midway through her three-year term in the voluntary post.