As Winter wanes I'm wondering
how long before green shoots emerge
from frozen earth and bare-limbed trees
burst forth with buds--true signs of spring.

That patchy snow is melting fast
as thick brown grass appears on slopes
and puddles creep across the lane.
What season do these signs forecast?

And though the sky's still pewter gray,
warm southern breezes blow and tease
me into thinking Spring is near
and could appear for real today.

I yearn to plow my fields again,
to see that rich black soil upturned,
to sow each furrow with new seed.
Oh, Spring, if only I knew when.