in springtime, the earth rumbles and
the sun-kissed soil begins to stir
slender leaves suddenly
begin wriggling their way
to the surface,
eager to drink misty raindrops
and bask in the balmy air
and I wait, with anticipation for
the sturdy stems that will rise
in the days to come,
sprouting their bearded petals
of vibrant velvet,
reigning high above the crocuses
and hyacinths that bloom in
the shadow of their splendor
my garden and my thoughts
transformed once more,
by the brilliance
of their majestic show
and the tranquility
to be found
in the quiet, lingering light
of their afterglow