Groundhog —by Jinny Batterson
Harbinger of spring, furry cousin of a squirrel,
We celebrate your special day
By snatching you from burrow and sleep
To blink at the light–strong sun means longer winter.
Midway between poinsettia and forsythia,
We want a fellow creature to provide some assurance
That winter will end–a prognostication from one
Who also dislikes freezing cold and biting storms.
You don’t much care about the splendor of the overcoats,
Scarves, or top hats of those who briefly torment you.
Their race, religion, creed, or politics also matter little.
What’s more important Is that they make their
Ceremony short, so that you can return to needed
Rest before the frenzy of spring.
Plump marmot, I salute you; I beg for
Your wisdom to forebear when poked and prodded
And made to squint in uncomfortable directions.
And, yes, I want to believe that spring is on its way,
Whatever its speed.
Jinny's Occasional Poems 