season has come
for the skin to
climb down from the peak
crawl up from the cave
and wade
through
the chill water raging
over rock and vein

now to roll
back the boulder
renew the thunder
warble the high
sound of delight
and sing through
thin branches
in praise of awe

kindled
she bathes in feather
streams
inhales honey mist
sucks berry juice
and surrenders
the ancestral
ties

to drop away the
itch of winter
dig at hardened earth—
seasoned to fly
from the ash heap of sorrow
she reclaims the heat
of high sun
and wonder

KATE KELLY is a published poet and visual artist who makes her home in Northport NY.