evidence lay
in drawers
of talent too
long hidden
encouragement
would come
as contests
and lessons
through childhood
it continued
a fun distraction
from daily life
but once of age
it was discouraged
a choice unworthy
for skilled adults
and so the tension
in each would grow
and most resisted
its lasting power
an endurance test
this fickle month
chilly rain and
tempered sun
with spring in sight
winter lingers
not yet inclined
to set us free
the geese in turn
are far more hardy
and off they fly
to northern lands
and early bulbs
can wait no longer
their leaves now free
to break the soil
we humans though
exude impatience
our coats and boots
still at the door
a celebration
as it were
a glass or two
a special day
future plans
were on the plate
fears expressed
suggestions made
but now it's clear
this was the end
too much said
yet not enough
so long away
now returned
familiar ground
but so much change
older structures
since replaced
cherished sites
lost in time
nostalgia now
with sadness mixed
a sense of loss
and some regret
for more than place
a sorrow builds
of human bonds
lost as well
