At the edge of the apple grove the spring comes above ground
and wanders across the meadow laughing in delight at the change of season.
Innocence
The magnolia sends forth her first blossoms
into the rare air of March that feels like May.
The sunshine calls and she answers yes in unfurling petals.
Roots
Up-ended by weather, pulled from the ground;
decomposition returns you home to the earth.
White Water
Old oak leaves
shoot the rapids
of March’s thaw.
Moss
A miniature forest in a miniscule landscape,
the majesty of moss.
Mud
The fifth season is mud season.
The earth is liquid with rain and snow melt,
rich with nutrients and brimming with the beginnings of new life.
Magnificent primordial ooze.
Rush
Mountain water hurries over rocks
searching for the ocean.
Bulbs
Oh daffodil!
Perennial forbearer of Spring,
keeper of faith.
Centered
Water flows over and around the boulder.
It is not an obstacle, this is just the way of the path.
In Town
When you get to the fancy white fence
that’s how you’ll know your at Main Street.
River Road
Take the slow way home along River Road.
Rest on the shoulder, marvel at the canopy of clouds.
Half and Half
Two trees at the entrance to the woods
mark the dividing line between sun and shade.
Fuzzy Rock
Baby squirrel
hides behind his tail
braving predators for sunshine.
Logged
Along a dusty road
the trees leave the mountain.
Saved
A web of branches
catches the pinecone
just before its snowy landing.
Golden Willow
In the midst of winter,
the willow shines its golden light.
This is where the fairies dance at night.
Wild Aster
Beloved daisy
cheerful even without color or summer.
Angle of Repose
Leaves find their resting place
in the place between.
Holding On
The hand of Winter holds tight to the roof
its icicle fingers curled under the eve.
Frozen Wetland
Cold paints a picture in tans and greys and white.
Wind is the painter’s muse.
Transformation
Snow like sand
in threads of grass.
Spring approaches.
Haute Couture
This birch wears it’s bark like a Dior dress,
sublime are it’s structure and details.
Sabbath
The shadow of a trinity of trees across rock
marks one of many spots to worship in the woods.
Visitors
Morning light reveals
hooves crossing the bridge from the forest into the yard
during the quiet of the night.
Reading Signs
Pampas grass flags
document the speed and direction of the wind.
Nest
Winter laid an egg of snow
for March to roost upon
we’ll count the days until the hatch
of finely feathered spring.
Before the Storm
the sky gathers greyness and weight
and pushes itself upon us blanketing us with
anticipation in the stillness and the stirring smell of approaching snow.
Hydrangea
As you hover on the edge of Spring,
your youthful summer color is long departed
and in its stead stands the eloquence of aging with grace.
Wide Sky
The southern wind announces Spring is on her way to us.
These clouds are ruffles on her petticoats.
Mountains beyond Mountains
You may recognize the mountain by name or shape
but to truly know her is to walk the contours of her mass,
to watch her reveal the secrets of the seasons,
to remember and to feel the spirits of all the other feet
who have touched her and whose hearts have found home.