I hear
at the boundary of winter
a nudging of sprouts
to the warm applause
of the sun.
I sing
pouring fresh water
into the slime birdbath
as the slick contingency
of the soil burns
into my voice.
inside the house
I see butterfly spirits
waltz in through the walls
their slim frames
colours of sumac and sunrise
green-dancing.
at night
dreams of rivers
of burning wild rue
at the instant of the equinox
lace through my bones.
I am waiting
aching to see goldfinches
in the conifers of my garden
drink-seeking landing
fluffing in the birdbath
their shadow-play
shaping the light
to the contours
of my day.
©2008, Azadeh Azad
