Monarchs depart the Sierra Madre
Like notes along earth’s staves.
Fluttering north ever northward
They promise measure
Upon measure of melody.

Their wings light up the hillsides.
The flames consume our
Hibernal idols as we ourselves 
Are set alight where fire begets
Fire on this holy mountain.
 
Under maples flurries of red
Are falling as bulbs bulge up
And burst open. Forsythia,
Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips
Fill the primary palette. 

And our flagging spirits take flight.