Rebirth

Green shoots shrug black clinging earth Of their cold soggy winter tomb In accordance with each year's rebirth Where the grave becomes the womb.    House sparrows gather nesting twigs From last year's flower pots Discarded ornaments, sticks and sprigs For this year's birthing spots Blossoms explode from cherry trees And shiver in a slanting rain The end of the winter's icy freeze Is announced in the birds refrain A pair of silver turtle doves Engage in a courtship dance Spring has sprung on their new love In resplendent pomp and circumstance.