season of cold and 
crocus — purple chalices set
against mud-specked white

lit in the backyard
by headlights upon
late homecoming after work

exhausted, hungry
for shower, supper,
undirected talk, good touch

later, before sleep,
the making of a to-do list
that starts with raking the yard

once (of course) the crocuses
are done with their blooming
and their season is done

then it will be our time
to see to our garden —
but until then

we shall leave it to
the crocuses
to remind us that winter

will come to an end
will be marked
and announced

regardless
of us
spring will come