When winter is over

                        I know he will return to nurture me
              
                 I patiently slumber with my roots in the same soil

                                             Leaving me to fade, once again

             But to revisit each year, and the planter departs with no concerns

           And it is too prized for me to keep. The cold seasons have no choice          

And while I am grateful for the brilliant rain, he is hesitant and doubtful of his stay

My leaves imbibe in the comfort and I am beautiful once again

It feels as unchanged and as steady as yesterday

    My addiction grows strong

                 None other than his quenches my thirst

                                   Pouring sweet words into my roots

Cautiously arriving, he sits with me in the earth  

                             And split

       My stems snap

         I am wilted and withered


*-MJS