In the Midst of Winter’s Whiteness
By Raymond D. Souza

In the midst of winter
and far from spring
when life seeks shelter
from the swirling cold,

a black-capped chickadee
darts and sings
its way to a morsel
on the snow

Into a pine tree
it joyfully flits
like a bandit
bearing treasure,

an ounce of energy
and glee
in the bounty
of cold’s measure.

Black beak, black seed,
and black-capped head,
boastful, festive
sliver of life,

in the midst
of winter’s whiteness,
pale, gray evenings
and icy strife.

— Souza lives in Lawrence. Poet’s Showcase features work by area poets. Submit your poetry via e-mail with a subject line of Poet’s Showcase to mpaget@ljworld.com or send typewritten (not handwritten) submissions to Mindie Paget, 645 N.H., Lawrence 66044, attn: Poet’s Showcase. Teen writers should submit their work to the 18 & Under page at teens@ljworld.com.