Thaw 
by Tristram Tuna, January 1998
In deepest winter comes a pause
The season mellows iced ground thaws
The buried root mistakes for spring
This interlude and forth doth bring
A new green stem fresh grown in haste
Lest it should even one day waste
Bursting forth with tender shoots
Vibrant life from cold black roots
Racing up to catch the sun
Then all-too-soon the race is run
The light is gone the cold returns
The wind that cuts the frost that burns
The shoots are doomed the tiny leaves
Are soon all dead with no reprieves
Root underground must wait once more
'Til spring shall bring another thaw
And hope it still has strength to fight
Once more for life and spring's delight