The crow called three times, cutting through the dark silence just before dawn. The owl turned its head toward the disappearing moon and broke into flight. The crow called once more and the large tree exploded into hundreds of jackdaws, painting spiralling mandalas on the black canvas of the sky.

The change was coming, still invisible but certain.

The first shy rays of morning light touched the soil, gently waking the seeds buried there months ago. The moment had arrived. It was time to move upward. The earth, thick enough to offer shelter through winter, now yielded to the tiny sprouts as they travelled toward the warmth they had always known and longed for. She was preparing to dress herself in green and flowers once more.

At first glance everything seemed unchanged, the world held still by cold and darkness. Yet the signs of change could be felt before they were seen. The air slowly laced itself with sweetness, easier in the lungs, carrying the fragrant promise of life returning. Almost exciting, but not quite. Just quietly teasing with possibility.

The wind grew gentler, almost flirtatious, playing with the little birds and rustling through the remnants of seasons past. Its breath warmed as it whispered to the still-bare branches, inviting the leaves to come out and dance.

Water had been patiently waiting, remembering the light in the delicate sparkle of frost. Slowly it loosened its icy grip, ready to flow again, to nourish instead of hold. With each touch of sunshine upon its surface, it regained its shimmer and quiet glow. The rain no longer fell like icicles piercing skin, but like soft, soothing drumming upon the earth. With every glimmer of light, it answered in ripples.

In a single droplet trembling at the tip of a branch, the love story was written.

Fire touching water.
Earth holding them both.
Air carrying their breath.

Love moving gently through everything, weaving it whole.

Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, ‘You owe me.’
Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.

— Hafiz