(Winter)
The dark emerging trees
from the new-winter wood
are lovelier than leaves,
as cold is also good.
The heart's necessities
include the interlude
of frost-constricted peace
on which the sun can brood.
No season of the soul
strips clear the face of God
save cold and frozen wind
upon the frozen sod.
The strong and caustic air
that strikes us to the bone
blows till we see again
the weathered shape of home.
No season of the soul
strips clear the face of God
save cold and frozen wind
upon the frozen sod.
(Spring)
Dusk settles in later this time of year
fireflies; nighttime's chandelier.
Night'll come as days must end
but soon the sun will rise again.
Sadness sheds in layers, leading us here.
Springtime's winter's souvenir.
Winter clothes, and winter fears,
winter weight is so last year.
I think what makes spring so sweet
Not the roses, but beneath
Is the underlying truth
That everything must go so soon.
(from February Thaw)
(so may we shout, so may we sing,
O blessed thaw, O holy spring.)
The dark emerging trees
from the new-winter wood
are lovelier than leaves,
as cold is also good.
The heart's necessities
include the interlude
of frost-constricted peace
on which the sun can brood.
No season of the soul
strips clear the face of God
save cold and frozen wind
upon the frozen sod.
The strong and caustic air
that strikes us to the bone
blows till we see again
the weathered shape of home.
No season of the soul
strips clear the face of God
save cold and frozen wind
upon the frozen sod.
(Spring)
Dusk settles in later this time of year
fireflies; nighttime's chandelier.
Night'll come as days must end
but soon the sun will rise again.
Sadness sheds in layers, leading us here.
Springtime's winter's souvenir.
Winter clothes, and winter fears,
winter weight is so last year.
I think what makes spring so sweet
Not the roses, but beneath
Is the underlying truth
That everything must go so soon.
(from February Thaw)
(so may we shout, so may we sing,
O blessed thaw, O holy spring.)