Overnight, the temperature dropped
below freezing, and in the morning,
there you were, fallen flat on the ground.
Sometimes the world seems so unfair.
I spread sunflower seeds on the rocks
and the chickadees came, chirping
their songs, as always, no matter what,
and unfailingly making me smile,
even today, when I thought you were lost.
It was well after noon before I braved
the day’s cold a second time, the sun
having issued its irresistible invitation.
And there you were, tall and glad,
basking in the light, as if it were nothing
to rise from your sprawl on the ground,
your life force all but turned to crystal
from the cold. Stunned, I stared, my eyes
moist with gratitude for spring’s undeniable,
ever-returning proofs.