for the sky
limbs  held high 
swirling  sunset  
draped like a  cape 
  about  rigid shoulders 
 finally 
that   velveteen  night
sprinkled  with  ghost stars 
hides your  frozen frame    
for a few tame
 hours 
until  the haze 
of morning 
streaked
 with  a tiny   tease
 of  sunlight 
highlights 
your barren offering 
Spring  seems so
far away
 you stand firm 
 against
 the naked elements
drawing 
graceful patience
from 
age old roots 
in the slumbering soil
raising hopes 
sky high 
for an early 
 vernal equinox