The Fifth Season

If I could invent a season that was better than the rest,

I would include the Christmas of winter,

The lillies of spring,

And the picnics of summer.
I would include fireplaces,

Beautiful birds,

Perhaps whipporwills,

Meadowlarks,

And whopping cranes.
The fifth season is the chance to say something we wish we had said.
Or not to say something when we ought not.
It is forgiveness.
It is being on your way to the dentist when your tooth stops hurting.
It is discovering and old friend's address just before Christmas.
It is being remembered on your birthday by a special friend.
It is looking up at the hills near the sea

And seeing ships sailing above the treetops.
It is receiving a dozen lavender roses for no reason at all.
The fifth season is standing at the earth's edge

Looking up in wonderment

As the heavens gracefully acknowledge the order of the universe
And the seagulls circle

In the shape of tomorrow.