Below sun-peeking white cloud tendrils, The battle cry of an icy wind Charges unrelentless through the streets Besieging dwellings of the rank and file Standing belligerent Against the stark reality of gray-- Collecting the pummeling snow In their eaves and shutters. Frosty frigidity Dusty and clinging; These impenetrable fortresses of coziness Unyielding To the wrathful assault Of first snow in the city