wrote this poem in February of 2003 but its been in my head the last several days ...

The cold north winds remind us 

                that the winter hasn’t passed

The lifeblood of the oaks remains

              beneath the ground steadfast

and yet the cardinal’s refrain

              is prelude to the spring

when once again the grasses green

             and orioles will sing

they’ll sing for all the hope they have

     that this will be the season

the Father will reveal to them 

         their purpose and the reason

so in the midst of life’s cold days

    is set this celebration

of all the love that gets us through

     despite our consternation

as chards of light pierce eastern clouds – 

-      a prelude to the day

reminding us of amazing love

       that gently points the way

so sing for all the hope you have

     that this will be the season

the Father will reveal to you

         your purpose and your reason