Spring, Interrupted

The last frost date has passed,

which means I should have cheerfully filled

the pots on my front steps 

and the planters on my patio by now,

with brave new seedlings—

I should be rejoicing in today’s rain

envisaging thirsty little roots

slurping up nutrients with every drop.

But, my pots are empty.

As threat of frost evaporated,

nurseries closed, and so did I.

Winter solitude remains enforced 

for flora and fauna alike.

Within or without walls,

life cycles stand interrupted, 

static for the duration, and

we remain irretrievably

pot-bound.