promises for after the storm

it entered with the sting of the cold and the bite of the wind

as the storm picked up, snow fell harder 

and this white whirlwind made everything else quite unclear  

but falling snow must eventually rest--which it did wonderfully

it washed, cleansed, and purified everything that it encountered

it was a pristine blanket covering all that lay still under its touch

a beautiful sight it was, but so much of its beauty went unseen

for as the snow melted away, the blanket faded into the earth below

now the roots and seeds having sat dormant, dry, and barren 

tasted the refreshing water seeping through, which quenched their lingering thirst

they delighted in the ferocity of the storm

having brought buckets pouring forth much needed nutrients 

into their wide-opened, welcoming mouths

they grow, bud, and flourish in ways they never did before

the trees clap their hands and their mountains and hills burst into song

they are alive

"...and so is my word that goes out from my mouth..."

Is. 55