before the frost finally buckled

beneath the sky’s weight, 

we had been searching for signs of divinity—

stars stuttering through 

the oppressive winter, or sprinklers

stumbling over the sidewalk

and beckoning forth magnolias.

still, april’s latent heat curls 

through our chests, promising

spoonfuls of sugar to come. 

outside, the wind is howling

into whispers. sunlight exhales

through nimbostrati & soothes

shadows into blades of grass.

spring's luster has bloomed

despite the brutal winter

& its evidence precipitates 

through our hair. miles away,

flowers are unfolding through

the once-permafrost. 

bumblebees spill forth

& empty their light across

the darksome meadow.

we have more, here & now,

than ever.