POETRY

Candlemas

Early February, Early Spring

cell phone photo by author

February blooms warm this year
so the morning patio opens early
as a plant besotted by a false spring

This is the usual way
the usual beginning:
birds singing and the perfume
of an awakening earth on the breeze

Even if it’s only a sigh in her sleep
as she rolls over between dreams
we will take it
and unwrap it slowly
as the leftover foil Christmas chocolates
that masquerade as little gifts

Thank you, readers!