Winter-numbed limbs
   flex in a warming breeze -
      wool scarves replaced by silk.

Beneath a wide, black hat -
         blowing foam
                                across the cup.

   Colors erupt in oils,
swirl in peaks and vales,
   mimic arboreal change.

Brown vines weave
   their story on old stone...
      The nest is cold.

Dribbling water reflects
    grey snow....
        grey concrete....

Flicker cocks its head,
    spies something in melting snow....
False spring.

Somewhere in melting snow
   a cricket sings -
unseen.