Frost in Spring

This springtime cuts both ways. It has a shine
That speaks of joys and procreation: in
The hedgerows there’s new flowers on the vine
And before long the nesting will begin.
The garden’s opened up; the soft soil breaks
As firm green shoots poke up a stubborn head,
And on the trees a green gauze netting makes
Their age uncertain: old turns young instead.
The small magnolia, though, has lost its bloom –
A fit of frost took all the white away
And a cold morning fills the silent room
From where I watch the April world at play:
    This happy growth comes with a sudden sting
    That leaves me bleeding and remembering.