The Seasonal State of Life

the dawn after an eternity of night

from under the snow-encrusted layers of compost,
she cracks open one of her sand-dusted eyes,
as her amber body stirs from her deep slumber.
the delicate mewling of her young,
echoes in the safety of her den.
she wearily stretches out every ligament lining her body,
and with a violent exhale, expels all the sleep from her soul.
she nuzzles her pups with a feather-like tenderness,
and guides them to the entrance of their solace.
she breaks the icy barrier,
and lets in the first light of spring.