Poem: Is Now the Time?

Photo by Rita Bourland

Is Now the Time?

Leaves cascade

 to the ground,

without a sound they alight,

giving flight to any thought

of forestalling

winter’s arrival,

squirrels skitter about 

making plans

for long days of cold,

while we hold onto the

last few days of warmth,

choosing life and light

while the earth

 prepares for slumber,

seeds burrow

deep into the ground

knowing now is not 

their time,

winter speaks not to our needs,

and thus we ache for a sign,

is now the time to lie fallow

 or shine forth,

growing tall despite 

the dimming light

and shortened days

of winter?