Too Early

He is sluggish, this thin petitioner
who awaits the sun
on a warm day suddenly gone chilly.

As I sit, he waits.

Does this singular spirit know of hope?
Is the sun his God?
These for me are serious questions.

What does this snake bring for merit,
too early come
out of winter hiding?

Does he even know his danger?
Simply unable to move
until the sun
moves out of this cloud’s clotting shadow.

All at once, I’m no longer in a hurry
and am feeling chilled,
aware of my need for the sun,

feeling myself akin to this snake
and this snake to humans.

NatureSuzi Peel