Winter, who can believe?

Winter, who can believe you

now the acacia has started

to bloom, whole trees bursting

with yellow flame, cascades

of it on roadside slopes

bespeaking promise and vigor -

and look, too, the quince

is out, the flowering cherries,

and the big flowered magnolia

is opening its huge white petals.

No, winter, you may chill us

awhile, but you're done for now.

(c) Copyright 2000. The Christian Science Publishing Society