In Topaz

Originally appeared in Trek Literary Magazine in the Topaz (Utah) internment camp, 1943.

Can this hard earth break wide
   The stiff stillness of snow
And yield me promise that
   This is not always so?

Surely, the warmth of sun
   Can pierce the earth ice-bound
Until grass comes to life
   Outwitting barren ground!

Toyo Suyemoto