These are the miniature pillars of frost 

that rise in clumps like glacial cities

from the frozen soil in late autumn,

delicate strands blossoming singly

or in sheaves, fragile and temporary.

Coming across a patch walking to school, 

you’d marvel at their beauty, glittering

in the morning sun with impossible intricacy,

and respond in that most human of ways–

with a satisfying crunch from your boots.