black bird flying over leafless tree

I cannot yet see the trunks of trees in this predawn. 
I know they are there in my front yard, on the hillsides. 
I know the winter solstice is over. 
I know the trees have heard the whisper
of winter entering time. I know the whisper
of its departure, which the heartwood of each tree
has memorized.  I cast my restlessness to them
like prayers in a sanctuary where miracles occur.
I have no doubt they will be answered, just not
immediately.  We both know the nature of prayers,
how long it takes for them to penetrate, how long
it takes for the first leaves of spring to show.

hootism: i am, therefore, i think, feel, dream, love — Descartes got it wrong.
Happy New Year!