False Spring

The magnolias bloomed early

not knowing to wait, to

count out the days, not seeing their

still-long shadows lying on the

brown quiescent ferns.

They felt the warm sun pressing on

their leaves, playing notes of spring

out of bluebird mouths

and flung open their buds like the

doors of winter.

We have become confidants, you and I.

It came like the summer, and

you watched,

saw a hand touch the latch,

saw it open to his gentle knocking.

We did not see the snow

swirling in the eyes of spring,

but felt a chill breath on our

unveiled tenderness;

cold hands moved across us like glaciers.

You are sere, now, while all around

more cautious buds unfurl.

Sitting in your green shade

I watch the seasons with you

till next spring.