Snowfall (a pantoum)

When they sing in the snowfall

The words are spelled out,

Like the writing on the wall

But drifting thereabout.

The words are spelled out

In forewarning tones —

But drifting thereabout

Are the voices of gravestones.

In forewarning tones,

“Do not smell these flowers!”

Are the voices of gravestones

Crying to savor the hours?

Do not smell these flowers,

Except those held in hands

Crying to savor the hours.

Please, do not misunderstand.

Except those held in hands

Like the writing on the wall,

Please do not misunderstand

When, they sing in the snowfall.