Verdant Winter

I used to think of spring
as the most verdant time of year.
But in the fall,
or early winter,
the cold relief of rain
revives a vibrant new green.

On hillsides that spent summer
turning brown and tan
and black,
a low winter sun
illuminates thin green blades
against charred earth.

And as days grow short,
there’s a resurgence of light and life
where we expected only darkness.

Previously: Nine Aims