The Wonder of It All

I wonder what a snowflake feels
when floating to the ground,
to add a blanket covering fields
that dampens sight and sound.

I wonder what a sparrow thinks
when winter cold surrounds,
whose numbing winds leave frozen drinks
on barren feeding grounds.

I wonder what a swallow knows
of Capistrano Spring,
each year it's been this day he chose
to lift the homeward wing.

I wonder what the rainbow said
dark clouds dissipating?
"Wee leprechauns may lie ahead
wi pots o' gold, waiting!"

I wonder what a lover sees
as first his vision spies,
and knows that she alone will please,
her yes! or else he dies!

I wonder what a spinster hides
from peering prying eyes
that cannot see her pain abides
betrayal's drab disguise.

I wonder what a different place
this world, once I depart.
Will there be one remembered trace
to warm a lonesome heart?

--Carduelis Tristis

copyright 1998, The Goober Tree Press, all rights reserved