Treasure These Small Things

the wind blows warm from the west

the first seeds of the season are sown

worms writhe in frost-crumbed soil

a robin sings above my head

buds burst like a billion hopes

yellow daffodils stand proud

blue sky shows through passing clouds

golden sunlight heats my bare skin

there is the smell of wood smoke

a woman laughs a melody

a child laughs descant

salt sweat sheens my hand

a good ache works my back

I stop and stand and stare at the world

in this moment

I am filled with conflicted joy

I am free

I am safe

I am alive