I have wept
 with the browning, naked boughs
 that once displayed vibrantly decorated
 leaves of autumn.
 I have walked
 alone in the silence 
 of winter’s barren and cold landscape.
 I have danced
 with joy and anticipation 
 at the sight of new buds on those boughs
 and
 the onslaught of emerald green oceans of grasses.
 Nature has taught me,
 without my knowing I was in school,
 about waiting and hoping and rejoicing – 
 nature has taught me 
 faith.  

Painting by Vivien Szaniszlo