Seasonal Impatience

Last night the temperature got as low as 37 degrees in Atchison, and snow is in the forecast in some northern regions of the United States. Doesn't the earth know we are ready to plant tomatoes? Nature gives us the opportunity to learn patience and to accept what each day brings, as described in the following poem.

Late Winter Canticle

We need spring, we need it desperately,

and usually, we need it before God is 
willing to give it to us. —Peter Gzowski

Enough of this sniveling snow

How long, O God, until you return

with your thunder and lightning?

I set forth a springtime sacrifice—

daffodil bulbs

the finest compost

            butter crunch lettuce seed

            O God, to you I cry,

            to you I make supplication

The bird feeders are filled,

the garden hose reconnected

            I know you uphold the afflicted;

            O God, make haste to answer me!

In search of the light

we turn our clocks ahead

            Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

            let your glory be over all the earth!

And the wise ones

keep a bag of ice melt handy

            This is the day the Lord has made;

            let us rejoice and be glad in it