AFTER THE LONG WINTER (A Sonnet)

The grass began to slowly show itself.

It seemed a little shy at first, but soon

received assistance from the helpful Elf

of March, and presently the lawn was strewn

with cheerful cloths of green. They watched and were

amazed. They saw her flower sprouts arise

and push the snow away. They heard a blur

of bird songs in the bushes and - surprise –

a wind of spring blew in from somewhere warm.

It seemed so strange – but then, they knew the truth,

that all of life is just as strange. A storm

of odd delights is what life is, a youth-

ful, loving mystery. They smiled and welcomed spring

and grass and warmth and every gentle thing.