like a tree in winter
my leaves are gone
my limbs are dry and pale
if you pull too hard i will snap
but i feel alive inside
peel away the rough exterior
and you'll see it
vibrant green lies just beneath the surface
waiting for warmth and desperate
to bring forth new leaves
and color branches a deep brown
and though Spring has been spotted in the distance,
slowly dancing her way toward us,
we must be gracious hosts and bear with Winter just a moment longer,
embracing the dormant nature of her visit
rest easy
soon it will be time to grow
and growing things is hard work
