Snowdrops and Other Poems

by Kassi Wilson

SNOWDROPS

Even in frozen soil, a snowdrop 

will emerge blooming among 

the forest as early as January. 

A snowdrop's unfurling petals 

melt away the snow. And the sight 

of one drooping its white bells 

in daylight is a hopeful sign—

Winter, this pinnacle season, 

is nearing its end. Like a snowdrop 

flourishes in cold conditions, dear one, 

you're resilient. Amid cyclical winters 

you survived on breadcrumbs, 

but the sun broke through shedding 

warmth, so you grew.

HOW LONG, OH LORD, HOW LONG

after the psalmist

The thorn that came from Eden 

was toil—aimless and amplified.

How long do we trek this path 

sprawling at the edge of a precipice?

Plunging headlong into the future,

filling Earth with smoke, ash of death

from wildfires torched by men. 

Is incense rising in the atmosphere?

Sacrifices at the altar? Can you breathe 

it in? Wildfires spreading rampant?

Does flame or fume reach your nostrils, 

your lungs: How long, oh Lord, how long?

KASSI WILSON

Kassi Wilson is a poet and the author of two poetry books. Her debut collection, Growing Gills, is inspired by her childhood growing up in Minnesota. It centers upon wonder, reverence, and harmony with the natural world. Her second collection, Fire and Flourishing, is a passionate reflection on change. Written in the aftermath a cross-country move during wildfire season, it delves into themes of grief, motherhood, hard lessons, growth, and love’s resilience. Her writing resonates with women, wives, and moms, offering solace and inspiration.

She lives in Cincinnati with her husband and two teenage sons. Kassi writes and shares poetry on her Substack In the Elements and on Instagram @kassiwilsonpoet.