The Winters Nymph

She steals up silently, 
that fair maiden with ivory skin and ebony hair, 
resplendent in all her beauty. 
Her exquisite satin gown, 
encrusted with glittering diamonds of frost, 
flowing endlessly behind her. 
She steps softly, so softly 
kissing the flowers goodbye, 
but just for a season. 
She clothes the naked trees 
with shining white mantles 
of crystal icicles; 
and tosses strands of pearls, 
lustrous and glossy in the moonlight, 
over all the quiet rooftops. 
She stays for the winter ball 
of ice and snow, 
then gliding gently away, 
returns to her palace to await the day 
she will come again