Beneath the snow lies hope and promise

of growing roots and bulging bulbs

waiting for the time to stretch

to light and life again.

Galanthus, crocus, narcissus, hellebore

These awaken and alert and impatient

Restless after deep, rejuvenating sleep

They poke through the icy blanket

Slower to wake, but longer to bloom

Anemone, iris, digitalis, primula

They lingering under the covers in the gathering light

Still sleepy, moving slowly, but on their way.

Slower still, those flowers

who stayed out late, dancing into the wee hours

Echinacea, coreopsis, sedum, dianthus

Waiting for warmth and cup of coffee to get them moving.

A community of perennials

Waiting for their season

to blossom and shine again in the sun

bringing color, beauty and fragrance to the neighborhood.

To every thing there is season

And a time for every purpose under heaven

The snow melts -- the end of the season of rest.

Now is the time to rise and dance and sing.