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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Before Me
Red flags in a blue sky
reminders to
stop for beauty.
Sunbeam
Illumination comes from above
lighting that which lies within.
Delicate
Tree Bones
Weathered by the seasons
bleached by the sun
the bones of the tree remain.
Black Bird
Singing in the tree tops
perched higher than your high note
morning is your muse.
Leafless
Black branches against brilliant blue
whispers of clouds wandering by
winter’s silhouette.
Lightening Tree
Immortalized by lightening strike
the tree’s remains are a monument to itself.
Wayward Donkeys
At the farm of procreation
the girls gather at the fence
their sweet eyes disarming undeserved judgements.
Leaf, Sky, Clouds
Through storms and bright blue bitter cold
tenacity holds the leaf to the stem.
Green Being
The soul of the violet is green
and houses all gradation of color
for it is more interested in particulars than generalities.
Iris
Brown crown in the snow
marker of where the iris grows.
Magnolia in Winter
Your stylish furry jacket protects
your tender fragrant blossoms
from the elements of winter.
Hyacinth Octopus
Blossoming tentacles
scent the air
as they search for Spring.
Beauty of Decay
Delicate lines, individual patterns, unique characteristics
these are the traits of spalting,
the mysterious work and beauty of decay.
Neighborly Kindness
In the dark northern countryside
holiday lights remain for much of winter
cheering us on as we drive past.