The End of February

They stand defiant to wind
       and snow
with their twig thin arms
       outstretched.

Wearing scarves and hats
in the bitter cold,
through icy days and frozen
nights.

But then, a steady rain
       falls.

They shrink, lean
       and topple.

Cookies, carrots and branches
       lie on the ground.

Beheaded and disemboweled,
      their trunks are icy mounds.

Patches of grass are visible.

Crocuses rise from winter
       slumber.

Snowmen never
      experience
            Spring.