Almost Spring

Almost Spring almost spring a snow blanket spreads like fine down upon burgeoning grass I have glimpsed just hours before sleep our cat slips outside to tentatively massage white-veiled sprigs each paw releases a new awareness but he moves over this covered turf an experienced lover in pre-dawn he has felt stirrings since Imbolc, fantasies playing within knowing this ground is shy sensing it needs time and its own intricate complex rooms to hide while we rationalize our patient diplomacy attempt to retain secret longings to furrow spread and tongue vulnerable sod crocus will be first to peep through but many more bulbs will burst their tight skins pop their timid heads through this waiting loam then tulips emerge with daffodils incessantly crowding by then my whole garden will be kissed with tender green stems warm breezes will gently tease this flesh of timeless beauty to her passionate response. Diane Stevenson Schmolka