pome

Ode to an early spring
Blue sky through a delicate net
of fine dead branches.

Last year's leaves
mixed with mud
turning to lignite
underfoot on the river's banks.

Riding bicycles bumping along
over potholes still filled
with chilly rain.

We raise our heads
hopefully sniffing the breeze
under trees still drooping.

New life, new start, new feeling
on a clean, spring-like Valentine's day.