(The following is a whimsical little poem I wrote for Groundhog's Day, followed by a lovely image received yesterday. You may also listen to an audio recording of the poem by clicking on the play button of the mp3 player at the bottom of the post.)
it hardly seemed true winter
that first February day of yore
as we clung to our umbrellas
whilst on the way to market.
by night, we lost ourselves to
slumber
amidst pattered rain on rooftops,
hatching dreams of shadowless
morn
as groundhogs pledged their early
spring.
upon waking to an early
brightness,
we wait in dread to raise the
shade
lest behind it lurk a shining sun
ready to becloud our faint-held
hopes.
steeling our courage, we peek…
and oh the heavenly delight we
see –
old flowerbeds adrift in frosty
wonder
and every tree abloom with snow.
though the sun itself’s gone missing
its cloudy shroud we now embrace
for furry creatures have left
their footprints
but their shadows – not a trace!
