POEM AND PHOTO BY ED NORTHEN

Daffodils are emerging

from their earthen grave

spartan bulbs now bursting forth

spurning thoughts of resurrection

winter is ripening into spring

the robins and meadowlarks have returned

song sparrow cannot keep quiet

filling the air filled with their melodies of hope

barren aspens patiently wait

with outstretched limbs

anxious to bud forth

to be clothed in new finery

even in winter’s darkness

embryos have been forming

in dens and holes

waiting for the proclamation

to come forth