outside,
nature has pulled out
a dress they haven't worn in a year,
tucked in the back behind coats of frost and snow

this dress
is long and flowing
like a river finally thawed
that happily gurgles freedom over the rocks

this dress
is dotted and floral
like meadows spread with wildflowers
that are abundant with bees humming working tunes

this dress
is mottled and colorful
like the cotton candy clouds
painted by a sun that goes to bed later each day

this dress
is sprightly and vivid
like the people milling about
grateful for nature's anticipated change of style