it’s that time of year
when the trees remind you
that it is okay to drop
your worldly disguise
to turn inward
to not be 
or do
or perform

rest and sleep
go dormant
while its cold outside
warm your insides
with good books
and songs
and cozy fires

trees understand
that they must release
their impressive 
red and yellow leaves
and stand quiet through
the winter

and while they stand
seemingly stoic through 
ice and snow
they are healing 
and growing stronger

it is this internal rest
that allows 
their glorious flowers 
to bloom
when the sweetness 
of the sun returns

just give it a little time
and you will bloom too