At 4:45 the sun edges
through a loose nest
of branches, sets

behind a snow bank,
slipping out early
after its brief appearance

in today. But it still dazzles,
like a pearl set in diamonds
on the white breast of a girl

at a charity bazaar. Pretty,
but with a forced smile,
she leans in close,

gets me to take
one more chance
on spring.

— Warren Woessner