for Connor, on becoming a man, Spring 2012
my son smiles
in that fluttery sunshine
that february brings
his winter has been long
his own spring frozen in the darkness
of himself
but i waited
watching for signs
omens
birds on the wing
and now here he stands
in sunshine
no words necessary
to say his spring has come
Written for the Ennis Book Festival, 2012, and dedicated to my son, who is autistic, on the occasion of his 18th birthday.