Mother Earth

its so cold now, 

but only for a moment. 

for soon the birds will return, 

and the windows will open, 

and the sun will warm your bones

and melt the sin from them.

And your feet will carry you farther

and lord, 

good lord

this winter too shall end. 

It always does, 

don't you remember?

Keep treading

through and through

by and by

for soon the dirty

pitiful

snow underfoot will melt away,

replaced only with new grass

and dry earth. 

So dry your tears

good mother

and look up at the blue sky,

for spring has sprung, 

just like it always has. 

And this winter,

long-brutal-unforgiving

has ended. 

And lo, 

it will be back again next year, 

but you've earned this long repose,

the good lord has given you reprieve, 

so embrace it and warm your chilled bones-

and may flowers grow, 

where icicles hung-

from your ribs 

and over your heart. 

May you finally breath easy.