It’s not a name
full of shame
but a moniker
to wear with pride
for it is only
in being unique
that we are able
to show people
who we really are
rather than
wearing the mask
all the
carbon copies
hide behind
Beneath the thaw
are prickly bits
delicate spines
that are
far more hardy
than implied
by their fine needles
and fragile spines
yet life remains
green and strong
weathering
the storms
as we all
wait for spring
to arrive
Your words
of pride and praise
lift up my heart
and allow
my soul to glow
brightly
like the sun
breaking through
weighty clouds
to shimmer
golden
and
warm the world
My heart
flutters for you
like the wings
of a bird
wild and free
ready to take flight
at the mere
turn of your gaze
to rest upon me
or the breath
that carries
your words of love
to my ears
Winter colors
are often drab
with heavy skies
that weigh upon
the world
and yet the nip
of crisp air
as snow falls
tingles
within the senses
lightening
the world
into something
beautiful and bright