(A poem by Mary Nevin) A life brutally stripped, Pruned jagged and raw. Blasted by winter winds, Drenched by freezing rain, Shocked into premature dormancy. _____ Now awoken by coaxing warmth. Buds of fresh hope shoot through, Branching in new directions. Tender leaves unfurl; Shimmering, dancing, Delighting in the joys of spring.