It is a slow spring into summer

It is a slow spring into summer

Winter refuses to release its hold

Binding the wind to blow

Keeping its grip

As tight as loosening will allow

Holding the promise

Of warmer climes

Closely to its chest

For fear of breaking protocol

A show of weakness

A sign of humility.

There is no humour in its play

Just a stone-cold face

Frozen, despite the sun.

Living in the shadow

Of summer

Ever in its debt

Keeping its secrets

Forever guarded.

As the time wheels turn

There is no circumvention

Summer will come

Once winter has had its day.

A slow release

Soon to be an avalanche

The breakthrough

Will gain momentum

And spring, slow to unwind

Will, once again

Steal, by degrees, into summer.