DEEP IN WINTER

deep in winter

the wind makes strange noises
the sun is low in the sky
and the moon puts jewels on the
pristine white snow
black ice mars the road
shoveling awaits in the numbing cold

but i dream

of pale green poking
up from russet leaves
the sweet smell of a warm breeze
of violet and white crocuses
and carrying a jacket

i dream

of the lush green
and dazzling blues of sky and water
of orange daylilies and purple irises
of laughing children, chattering crickets
and scampering rabbits
of cold beer drunk from the can

i dream

of trees with flaming colors
of plaid flannel and delightful
sun with cool crisp breezes
of red holly berries among
the vivid green leaves
and bright orange pumpkins

i dream

while drinking tepid cocoa
waiting searching
the southern sky
for the sun moving higher