Doves

Before snowdrops

 

before the crocuses

tipsided in a rainstorm

 

before the forsythia

spills forth

out of a winter closet

 

the first alive thing unpacked

after the overlong tour of winter

 

isn’t a flower,

but the low sigh of return,

 

dulcet, disconsolate.

Jeanne Obbard received her bachelor’s degree in feminist and gender studies from Bryn Mawr College, and works in clinical research. She was granted a Leeway Seedling Award for Emerging Artists in 2001, and attended the Greater Philadelphia Wordshop Studio and the 24PearlStreet Workshop. Her work has previously appeared in American Poetry Review, Anderbo, Atlanta Review, EDGE, Philadelphia Poets, Philadelphia Stories, Rathalla Review, and the anthology Prompted.