Lenten Rose
As I give up hope
In the landscape
Of months-old decline
Dissolution
Of the living colors
To brown, gray, black
Beneath my feet
The irresistible
Will of season awakes
Not a grave
Never a grave
Always a battlefield
Verdant, pulsing beauty
Will hide no longer
But pushes the cold
Spent leaves aside
Drawing strength
Feeding on death's detritus
Pushing aside the previous
Striving for a wan sun
To begin the reign
Hellebores
With hope your sceptre
Victory perennial your orb
The ecstasy of life
Cycles above the ground
To share flower crowns in joy
©️Donna Maurice image/poem 2023
