final frosts

Winter dies slowly,
subtle

Water seeps warmly,
sewers swell

The promise of Spring
hides-

Then sudden rush!
Torrential-

Earth soaks water,
sunlight

Sky stops short of sun,
showers.

Final snowstorms
signal urgency

Last second lessons
in swift shifts-

A single tree stands,
rooted

Follicles sensing
fragrance, free

A single tree stands,
alone –

Alive midwinter,
strong.

- February 22, 2010