We'd wish for ice and snow... and death for some relief

FEBRUARY’S CONTRASTS

The February winds sweep through these hills.
Each bough of spruce gracefully genufluncts,
while leafless kin, the honey locust and the plum,
sway tree by tree to give the wind its way.

Few clumps of snow remain -- where once piled high
by shoveling, or being pushed from cars.
And yesterday’s warm sun, though premature,
reminded spring, and summer sun are on their way.

My ten-year-old delightedly declared her love
for spring, the summer warmth, and no more school.
How much her joy depends on contrasts, opposites.
Release from classroom discipline and cold’s harsh rule.

If God were to create the earth again by poll.
By wish for comfort, warmth, youth not so brief.
I think it would become so bland and boring here.
We’d wish for ice and snow and death, for some relief.