January Thaw

We learn by the January thaw that the winter is intermittent and are reminded of other seasons. - Thoreau

warming hearts and air alike

letting down its hair

it shrank the snow

revealing bare ground still covered with remnants of autumn's decaying remains

in a stark reminder that its chill is terminable

in an unexpected bank run, stirred creatures came out from burrows

to see what all the hubbub was about

the sun's rays extolling with a bright shout

drawn to a magnetic snack

wayward birds fluttered back

streams giggled with glee

the river awakening, stretching and wiping crusts of ice from its slumbering eyes

even the trees relaxed their taut anxiety

a cold season may not be done

but we breathed a golden reprieve

welcoming with arms opened wide

rejoicing

at the long-awaited return of a prodigal son

merciful and homespun

i'll always remember how it felt and what i saw

a bold, beautiful proposal turned into an immutable law

in that cherishable, unforgettable, january thaw

Author's Note

"A certain dormant life awakes in me, and I begin to love nature again." - Thoreau