By MARY RICHE

DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 4, 2023 — I’m happy that the seasons change in this state, and I have spring fever.  It’s that time of the year. I’m full of anticipation, even excited.

I was thinking about that on a recent sunny morning, but still a cold morning, and here’s what came out of me:

February in Iowa

I’m amazed
I’m puzzled
I’m crying.

How does She do it?
What are Her secrets?
Will She share them with me?

The days pass
Dates flip over
Another month gone.

I can’t stop looking
Though it’s really daydreaming
And one more teardrop falls

Spring is coming
Hope peeks out
My prayers are answered.

I’m amazed
I’m puzzled
And finally elated.

Mary Riche doesn’t think of herself as a poet. “Not at all,” she said. “But I think of myself as a communicator. And sometimes I have moments when I’m so emotionally moved that I feel like I’m flooded with feelings. When I felt like that the other morning, these are the words that came out.”  You can comment in the handy space below her or by emailing maryriche@gmail.com.