THE COLD WISDOM OF WINTER

I miss winter--
breathing those hard crystal sparks
strengthened the beat of my heart;
trudging through that frost-fire wind
gave me a sense of accomplishment.

The waves of drifts made me lift
my feet high.  I kept myself warm
with the heat of desire.

To fight through to Spring
I recalled how the light glows
          soft on the top of every sprout--

I recalled
how the earth welcomes the plow,
how the soil gladdens to open
to breathe again--
wishing to show how rich brown it has grown
during the dark days–to reveal its heart--
its goodness and its godness,
to give an intimation
of what lies deeper down.

But now, my memories have changed
as the season has changed, now--

I miss winter, the cold wisdom of winter.

© 2008 Michael R. Patton      go back