Hope of Snow

Prague is quiet, this Chrismas Eve day
the recent snow dissolved
into a mild light rain
while Chicago opens its stores
for the final mad rush
Every escalator at Water Tower Place
jammed with last-minute shoppers

But it's hushed in this river city
the last Christmas carp
from the lakes of Trebon
taken home for a traditional dinner
In a moment, the rain outside my window
has turned to gentle snow again
collecting in the gutters

Scattered trams on holiday schedule
track their way in winding ribbons
and there's a rustle across the city
of wrapping paper and secrecy
Tonight I'll walk these cobbled streets
as Chicago closes down
Seven time zones of troubled peace to the west

Europe or America, we share a hope
for softly falling snow at Christmas
and offer up our smiles
and brightly wrapped packages
to the same excited children
Here in Prague and there in Chicago
we are all children in the snow