On First of Spring

The time is up and nigh
To toss the heavy coats aside
And see a changing sky.
Let winter cold in me subside.

The shadows stretching long
Reach ever farther West and East.
The sun is shining strong
And howling winds have been deceased.

No more the frigid veil.
The frightful nights are growing short.
To greening in the dale,
The wild birds return, exhort.

Rejoicing doe with fawn
In birthing bower nursing lays.
The snow is going, gone.
The pasture's dry and fit to graze

Unto the grey that girds the sky,
I turn a searching, wandering eye.
The open road is gaping wide.
I toss my winter coat aside.