great movement has begun once more
with snow’s retreat into the ground
and sun’s advance up to its peak

we look out into woods or over lawns
and see a constant ebb and flow
of birds now grounded, searching food

the leavened earth is pushing up
its sleepy winter denizens in search of warmth
to meet bright eyes and hungry beaks

our feathered corps is swelling once again,
as winter stalwarts joined by brighter guests
begin to dance the minuet of spring

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poem © 2014 KH Rantilla. all rights reserved.