Winter

And what should we expect
in this darkling time but more
darkness? The earth hurtles on
life hurtles on, this quick descent
to what end? All nature gathers in
her own, colors flare then fade
to gray and white. We retreat
to our caves of ache and grief
and fall from there.

Do you tell me there will be sun
today, that somewhere it is spring
and this shadow will pass, too meager
to blight that distant faith in light.

Tell me again.