Awakening

Awakening

“Is it time yet?” The worms asked.
“Not quite,” the turtle said.
“You have to feel the cold ground soften
before you burrow through. You have
to see some roots growing
and moisture seeping down.”
“It’s getting late,” the snails sniffed.

“Watch the crocuses,” the turtle said.
“They peek out first
with their sturdy blades. Sometimes
they get buried with snow
but they spring  back up,
their gossamer petals unfold
in violet and saffron pleats.
Then the earth awakens and you
can crawl and wiggle again.”

The worms and snails sighed in relief.


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