After a Hard Winter

Because we cannot fall much farther now
We sit inside our cold enclosure. Trees
Encamped around us wave with withered bough
And dance to memories of sun and bees;
Because the last crisp leaf has blown afar,
And synchronated sunbeams signal morn,
Because the waxing crescent sends a bar
Of white across the inky sky, forlorn,
A single songbird whistles something fresh
And night's grim darkness sheds its weariness.
Because each day remakes young nature's creche
And green begins to brighten and to bless,
At last we yawn our hungry mouths agape
And breathe new air that spring has shook awake.