St Lucy’s Day
1
This dark year’s end
is a short night’s passage
for the veteran oak.
John Donne’s passion
runs centuries beyond
his lover’s last embrace.
Neither recompense
off-sets our final days.
But let’s light a New Year
from the night that’s gone,
bring to overbrimmingness
our no-less-fervent kiss.
Blossom. Leaf-fall. Bud.
Let each year end like this.
2
Here’s to the almond blossom
to what it is in us
no matter the loss a season brings
it’s when not if, it shows again
in brightest petals
their scent of the forever
at every bend
of the path ahead.