You’re Here* At Last

Just as we lose hope
she ambles in,
a late guest
dragging her hem
of wildflowers,
her torn
veil of mist,
of light rain,
blowing
her dandelion
breath
in our ears;
and we forgive her,
turning from
chilly winter
ways,
we throw off
our faithful
sweaters
and open
our arms.

“Spring” by Linda Pastan from Heroes in Disguise. © Norton, 1991.

*With apologies to friends in the southern hemisphere now headed into winter.