Seasons

Long after the leaves fall from the trees
and the frost burrows deep into the soil
long after the snow melts calling forth 
crocus and tulips and 
rains wash the earth
forming puddles that splash
it is now 
the season of growth
heat and moisture 
calling us out to play
inviting us once again
to dance around the 
celestial fire 
praising
sun and moon and stars
banishing all worry and care
as we gather 
with friends and family 
head to the beach or to the cabin 
feel the youth buried within
then 
speak of births 
of losses
contribute stories and food
celebrate our possibilities
create memories
witness our aging 
long after a first gray hair appears
wrinkles rooted around laughing eyes
there
enshrouded within our hearts
in the fall and winter of our lives 
vitality in dormancy 
lie ready to be aroused.

“Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.” 

Yoko Ono

“The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.” 

Robert Frost

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” 

Sophia Loren

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