Cradled

Cradled

Along the trail I witness

how the snow is cradled

in the nooks and crannies of trees

where the branches meet the trunk

outstretched limbs

offering places for cities of snowflakes

to rest

a reprieve from

f

      a

           l

               l

                                                                                            i
                                                                                               n
                                                                                                   g

before the melt

when ice transforms

to water

drop

by

drop

nourishing the roots deep within

the forest floor

leaves cradled

in cocooned shells

pulsing

in the energy of rebirth

poised to open in light and warmth

waiting

             waiting

                         waiting

to cradle the earth

in textured layers of greenery

releasing the shades of grey

that mirror winter's hibernation

into the tender embrace

of the Mystery that

cradles us all.

klh