In the Still Tall Afternoon



In the still tall afternoon

Has winter gone so soon?

Sun high in the sky at four

Rays shine bright, evermore



Dark clouds in mind now gone

As beams shine their happy song

Trees laid bare soak up the tunes

Of love, in an early spring's womb



As birth of new life forms its shape

And still skies brighten the landscape

Warm air engulfs as sand-filled streets

Blow back storms as cars scurry in fleets



And the still warmth of sun-basked roads

Dry sand piled on sides for ice not showed

Protection for the real winter's slipperiness

No longer required, now creating quite a mess



Sun-bleached firs grow new sprouts on trunks

Whipping up new life as branches now sunk

Will form upon sides with increasing pride

For the early spring will give them new stride



As heat from the bright sun warms cloth thru glass

And warms back - so hot to the touch - it burns fast ...

As new words tumble from the heat of after-passion

Heart opens so slightly, to welcome, in good fashion



- Tristram



Christopher W. Thomas

4:27pm Tues. Feb. 10th, 1998