New Beginnings

Under its blanket of crispy brown leaves
there's an unfurling of wrinkly green leaves
forecasting an ending
and a new beginning.

This new beginning contains
a return of hope again
for with the unfurling of each new leaf
spring's joyful return quietly speaks.

Even though the refrain might be sappy,
"sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy".
Apparently I'm not the only one
for this refrain in song is sung.

The sun calls this dormant plant
to come forth, winter is past.
There's the expectation of good things to come
sprouting up each spring in the brown earth warm.

Excitement is in the air when green leaves appear.
Over the winter you've forgotten how dear
but their return every year
renews hope far and near.

What is this unfurling green leaf
of which this newborn story speaks?
It has red stalks
and can be tart.

It's often paired with strawberries then baked
though it can be sauced or made into a cake.
It's a springtime star.
Did you guess rhubarb?

Another new beginning, or a hopeful start,
is of pie or cake or bread, of which a part
will be shared with you
if you'd like me to.

* * * * *

Winter ends.
Spring begins.
You'll find that every ending
makes way for a new beginning.

An excited expectation awaits
not only with each calendar date
but through the beginnings and endings in life
though at the time if fills us with stress and strife.

Consider, though, even a plant endures stress
as through the hard, dry earth it must daily press
but it will endure
and new life ensure.

Stress is needed to make us grow stronger
so we endure and begin over.
Better for it in the end
as a new chapter begins.

Have you experienced an ending in your life?
Get ready for a new beginning to take flight.
Today's a new day.
God will make a way!

Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up;
do you not perceive it?
I am making a way...
Isaiah 43:18-19