Intimation of Spring

Each February I clip Forsythia branches and bring them into the house,

placing them in warm water and then waiting patiently

as I fool Mother Nature.

This year was no different,

and the cheer its sunny yellow blossoms brought indoors

was a tremendous blessing amidst all the snow and wind

and icy rain and bitterly cold temperatures

that circled the cottage like hungry wolves.

As the weeks progressed and the flowers wilted,

I managed to save a few small stalks

to place on the kitchen window sill.

 What a pleasure it is to peer out at the dormant garden

through these golden branches!

Soon the house will be surrounded by a variety of flowers sporting

pink and lavender, blue and white, and golden blossoms,

shaded by a canopy of greenery overhead.

But for now, there is a little hint of that color,

and a tiny glimpse of spring, inside these walls.

Carry on.