Rituals, Rites and Rehearsals

Closer to nature, they sense
what we do not, subtle atmospheric
alterations, nuances of the sun's
position in our Northern Hemisphere;
a warming ambiance, in the stellar
dark dome of brooding night.

But we too detect that elusive
fragrance, those tricky hints that
nature has once again called off her
servants of icy sleet and frigid air
white-out blizzards and the bellowing
north wind ferociously representing
our long and tolerated winter months.

We see the regained presence and
boldness of small animal life in the
forests surrounding our urban presence.
Raptors patrol the tree lines seeking prey,
coyotes slink covertly beyond sight,
birds begin to recall songs meant to
herald spring's long-awaited arrival.

Skies become wider, shedding clouds
as clear blue presents a warmer glow
of sun's growing spring presence. Creeks,
rivers and lakes bask in the warmth
that will melt winter's frozen fastness.

We gain in steady measure, daylight
hours to illuminate longer days and
steadily and surely the snowpack releases
its hold on the landscape. Tree roots
deliver sap to far-off limbs and the
irresistible impulse to flower and leaf
will spring into bright reality.

All that will be, most certainly
but not quite yet. We are still held
fast in winter's frosty, determined grip;
fantasies of spring - just that.