One step forward
Three
Four
two steps backwards
one step, no steps
my people march through winter
uninspired, stagnant, static
here the running water is
blocked off
contained
the once rapid current
frozen
no steps
winter turns waters gray,
ardor’s least favorite color
black ice, unyielding, rigid, dense
stuck, fixed, pinned
Can we make it through the winter?
Whole communities shaking, trembling, quivering
But nonetheless our feet keep marching
Crystal ice wavers underneath us
The river beneath that awakens
But desperate struggle continues
Stretching, reaching, grasping
Not enough — try again
Grasping, reaching, stretching
Same result — insanity
We slip, slide, get back up,
One step
Another
The ice breaks and out comes
Frenzy, Passion, Inspiration
We will make it through the winter
Unimaginable progress — We march
One step, Two steps, Three steps, Four
Cherry blossoms and rain, new beginnings — spring
We have made it through the winter
