SIGNS OF SPRING Spring's subtle flirtation Begins with soft brush strokes Upon the wintery landscape Days stretch out their limbs Waking from a slumber And then, the other morning Did I notice a shift in the light? But to my mind this cannot yet be I've been weathered for a time Mistrusting my soul's assurances Sensing my hesitation Chickadees and cardinals sing So that I might trust In the promise of summer...