Finally, Spring

By SANDY LONG

Wind gathers at the back of my throat

sends the leaves in skitterish rush

past lips parted for the telling—

how stream has forgotten

winter’s fist at her throat—

unfettered voice emerges

one note at a time

in rivulet and spark-flecked runnel

sun strums rising strands of grass

and coaxes open shuttered hearts

while hands with unfurled fingers

gather blossoms.

(Sandy Long will be giving a reading of her poems in Eldred on April 26. See page 17.)