By the Light of the Snow Moon

     Good Afternoon,
     Did you know that February's full moon is referred to as either the Hunger Moon or the Snow Moon?  Native Americans counted February as the deepest winter month; farthest from the time when food could be collected, stored or harvested once again.  They prayed powerfully for dwindling food supplies to carry them into the first weeks of spring.  Then they could begin foraging before the new growing season replenished their needs.  My larder is full.  Therefore, I choose to acknowledge the Snow Moon in a quest that warmer days and sunshine may not be too far away.  

By the Light of the Snow Moon

Snow Moon waxing
Into the heavens above

Hoisted by a celestial puppeteer
Pulling strings from a coruscating glove

Snow Moon hanging

Above the cloudy sky 
Casting eerie shadows over

A mantle of sparkling winter white

Snow Moon beaming

Radiates gratitude from my shimmering face

Despite the freezing crisp air
That limits time spent in my favorite place

Can't be too much longer

Hints are everywhere

Extended in minutes of daylight

Faint birdsong trills here and there 

And with every hay bale eaten
By goats, horses, chickens and donks
One day simply passes to the next
And on into the next month

Snow Moon waning

28 days more until we might hope 
The Worm Moon escorts the vernal equinox
And brings an end to bitter cold and snow

Zambi and Easau enjoy an evening snack by the light of the Snow Moon.