The Subnivian Zone

All winter under the snow
meadow voles make love
and feast on maple bark.
In March snow packs
down to crystal,
letting in bubbles of light.
The voles sleep fitfully in
their small grass nests.
Beneath them wild flowers
begin the long climb
toward the surface
and their bright
proclamation of spring.

Dazzled

Yesterday’s foot of snow is dazzling in this morning’s sunshine. Even when everyone else I know is tired of winter, the new ground cover rejuvenates me. Last week our back yard was soggy; in places my boots sank two inches into mud. Our dog bounds through the snow, pushing her nose into drifts and throwing up powder just for the fun of it. When I throw her ball it disappears instantly, but she’s very good at finding it.