First Frost

Sometime during the night,

after the 12 o'clock hour

but before dawn,

it crept silently

to the flower garden out back.

It spread a wave of chill

that covered the grass,

Sneaking up on the rose bush and fern,

stalking the grapevine.

Dark shadows kept

prying eyes away.

The moon, bright and bold,

seemed to turn its back,

but right on schedule

frost made its first visit.