Cycle of Gladness
By
Jennifer Angelina Petro
All winter we shine our little fires
So that the sun may rest,
And we become the light
We need for each other.
Come spring, she blooms—
Speaks into our mind: “Thank you.”
And moves closer, warming the world
With her dazzling smile.
Come summer, she watches over us
So that we may lose ourselves
In the drifting, sleepy days,
And the evenings when she drapes
The sky with all manner of mingling
Pinks and blues.
Come fall, she slowly turns away,
Pulling cool covers around her shoulders,
But not before leaving the trees ablaze with gold,
And not before cherishing the gratitude
Rising from our hearts.