Upstate New York - May 15, 2024

I remember coming out of winter

this time of year

a budded tulip poking its head up

struggling with the chilling grip

of the ground and a flirtatious sun

not yet willing to open my arms

to scream like those bundled children

remembering spring’s other years

late snows burying hope

kids’ voices moved back inside

the duel of light and darkness

I never could smile in April

always a grimace until May