SOON, SPRING

   This is for all my friends east of the Rockies, who got hit with more snow last week.

SOON SPRING

Walking the gravel drive
to get the morning paper,
it's the first time
I haven't needed a jacket.

I hear the birds trilling, tweet.
Robin, jay, mocker, chickadee.
The high pitched tea tweet tee
of a Carolina wren.

Then the cardinal's song.
Even the low pitched curdle
of a common crow
makes me smile.

I look up in the bare trees
searching for signs of the birds.
Somehow the trees seem taller.
I see small tight fists

Of nubs growing on the branches
like prayers, soon to be released into the air.
I breathe deeply to smell.
My mouth waters for the taste of it.

It feels good to be here on the lip
of spring.  The kiss of it.
It feels good to just be.
This promise--soon.

     The weatherman is predicting 91 degree weather in Tucson for Thursday and Friday.  Everyone is getting out their shorts.  Your challenge today is to write a poem about the weather where you live.  Have fun.