COVERING
Imbolc in Two thousand and three
brought no white hooded snowdrops
foresaying wind and sun
as in other February's;
nor were catkins seen dangling visibly
from gently arching hazel groves.
In Two thousand and three
snow covered the beginning-to-warm earth
giving a protective blanket of stillness:
Stop. Listen. Go within.
Snow cloaks leaves, stems and flowers
as well as weighing branches closer to ground
making an overall whiteness,
its own version of increased light.
Kaaren Whitney
31st January 2003
