kindling the spring

lying awake in the predawn darkness, i noticed the eastern sky began to lighten much earlier than before. spring is coming, i thought, and, as if answer, i heard a plaintive cheep-cheep-cheep from the nest outside the window.

the puppies sensed something, too - running around with ears pricked, noses pointed, tails alert. despite the bitter air, they took a while to do their business. i watched the brightening sky.

imbolc - oimelc, in ancient irish - the feast of new milk, of new lambs and spring is ten days away. i feel the ghost of a quickening stirring somewhere, in my blood, on my skin. spring may still be months in coming, but the light is growing brighter every day.

and furthermore, the war must end. blessed be.