clouds quilt the sky slate grey
while granite flints spark doubt
that lumbering hue of behemoths
will birth their deluge, instead
visiting without release
moisture hangs teasingly in the air
unseasonable temperatures
threatening snow in the valley
trumpeters, white tufts assurance
over the vast wintering
absent, the cold not enough to stay
their return to tundra
pale fields plowed and thirsty
rust orchards pruned and willing
eager for the promise of wet
as sunshine sparkles silver clouds
before blazing forth
- momentarily
blinding, banishing anaemia
in ruptures of blue as
hushed heat singes the air
earth silent in contemplation
heavily turning in wait
anticipating the green embrace of spring