in the cultures
that were killed
to make way
for strip malls
reservoirs and slaughterhouses
it was common to praise
the coming seasons
to gather in ceremony
to welcome the winter
perhaps it is in part
because we have stopped
thinking of the seasons
as something worthy of thanks
that they have changed so
that we sit in a hot November
looking at bare peaks
running our wells dry
so here is a praise for the winter
a song for the snowed in days
please return
with your wind
and your quiet white
for all that rests for a time
will bloom again in spring
all that ventures inside
to sit by the fire
to read and relax
to pull a lover or a dog
or another blanket close
and the windows show
a storm we are so grateful
to not be caught in
we cannot emerge
cabin fevered and pale
ready for the spring and summer
if there is no time to long for them
let the winter come
and replenish the water
let the winter come
and let us rest a while
so that we all may bloom again