It's a privilege to have some input into poems as good as these five; I'm the one who's grateful. As for that third stanza, it doesn't trouble me at all the way it is, but if you want to begin without that "Because," consider this:"The snow falls; the __ wind still cries;" and so forth. You need a trochee for the missing word. Or some variation of this abruptly-opening line.

Rhina,

That's an excellent idea.

I thank you for the suggestion, and for stopping by this one again.

Honored and grateful,

Bill