Lessons

I can learn from the trees
at a time like this.
Closed up tight
for the long cold winter,
now beginning to bud
though the air is still cool.
Opening slowly but steadily,
taking a chance,
trusting that warmer days
are close at hand.
Though the transition may be uncomfortable,
they do not hesitate.
It is worth the work,
for without
they would never know the joy
of being completely open,
soaking up everything around them,
head back, arms outstretched,
face tilted skyward.
Unfurled, unabashed,
for all the world to see.