1/17/2011

Winter Wisdom

WINTER


After a particularly exasperating evening of repeated attempts
to get several of my jack-in-the-box children to go to sleep,
I tucked my son into bed
one more time with a sigh.


“What am I going to do with you?” I asked.
“Oh Moma, just hug me, and pretty soon I’ll grow up.”


And he did.


growing up and growing old
each year more dear and hard to hold


crystal bloom frosted with snow
we say goodbye before we say hello
submissive to the trust the seasons keep
watch and wait before we sleep


gentle earth beneath drifts of white
time of rebirth seeks the light


winter solstice
frost and ice
melting into pools of green


sunshine
resurrection
hope of spring


Cycle of living, season of song
embraces and whispers,
“Life goes on.”