Nine Months Collage

Nine months ago, beneath the snow, a hibernating seed

Awaited spring thaw’s warm embrace and moisture for its need

When sunlight lingered, longer days called forth its tender shoots

And flowers, tho’ nine months ago, it had not even roots

Nine months of war and many more had bled the king’s resources

The coffers emptied, just to lose so many men and horses

His kingdom’s lands and treasures, once the envy of his foe

They were no more - nine months of war had struck a crushing blow

Nine months ago, he fled - although his crime was yet concealed

But hours later, passers-by spied something in a field

And called police to scrutinize the grim, unmoving shape

He came to woe nine months ago - they thwarted his escape

Nine months ago, I said “Quite so!” to New Year’s invitation

To change my ways and save my soul from ruinous damnation

With champagne breath and bleary eyes, I vowed to give up drinking 

How could I know - nine months ago - I’d yield (what was I thinking?)

Nine months at sea, adrift are we, and nought on the horizon

With shattered mast and keel sheared, we shield our bloodshot eyes and

Condemn ourselves to measured death, nought left of our provisions

How cruel to be nine months at sea, beset by ghastly visions!

Nine months and more went by before the awful news was learned

Just four years old, last seen with strangers, never she returned

In town, our hushed and whispered tones of worry now subside

We waited for nine months and more to learn just how she died

Nine months and counting, pressure mounting, can we make a year?

Despite our current tit-for-tat, we love! each other, Dear

It’s not so smooth for newlyweds, I think we’d both agree

We have about nine months and counting to our anniversary

Nine months have passed exceeding fast for people of my age

We see the pouring grains escape the upper glass, and rage

Against the dying of the light. A year three-quarters gone

And so these last nine months have passed; our shadows longer drawn