shades of green
pose against dull
grey-brown.
Sweet maple saplings
stand in the woods,
their foothold strong
and balanced
in the deep
dark soil.
New shoots of poplar
have ruptured
the forest floor.
Through dense thicket,
they boast color, too-
yellow, for courage,
for hope.
From underneath
damp weighted
blankets
they reach for air,
more light,
more reason
to welcome
new growth.