they whisper to one another as they lie on the cricket-green
shoots of spring, where delectable images are conjured and
crafted into place, and together they dream of the pale,
white heat of summer, and blue curls of ocean water rushing
sun-bleached grains, and the sudden flash of autumn, always
a surprise, the most radiant leaves to be collected and pressed
between forgettable pages until sheafs of white lay atop
the country cottages, their bejeweled eaves sparkling for holiday
as the snow-laden pines lining the rural lanes frown under the
weight, a seasonal banquet expected, promised…hoped for