Anatomy of Bloom

Full moon tonight lights

receding snow spread 

along river’s edge.

I walk the thawed slope

of hill among shadow

shapes and rush

of water that leaps

like my heart.  Weeks

to spring. Love’s flight

lifts like flush tulip

sepals, red as blood

around the nestled

bud: petals, stamen, pistil.

From the frost loose soil

green stalks will thrust

the cup of color. Awakened

by this turning from winter’s 

sleep: Perfect. Complete.