The dry leaves scamper across the frozen snow.

(But wait. Something’s wrong.

“Scamper” is not a winter word.

“Scamper” is spring, lithe and carefree.

“Scamper” is a three-year-old

skipping across the new grass

toward the swings.

“Scamper” is an eager blonde puppy

happily chasing butterflies.)

Today it is cold, windy midwinter,

and yet the leaves still scamper.

Can spring be far behind?

— Jane Tedder lives in Lawrence.