fiddlehead ferns

pushing up into the lawn —

my neighbor steps back

quick chats with strangers, 

the stop and start of schoolbuses —

we miss the world

one mockingbird

trying on another’s song —

who’s fooling who?

two-toned daffodils —

beaten down by the rain and

plotting their return

nearing day's end

the sun gives the clouds the slip —

blossoms all aglow

bees trading tips

about today’s new blossoms —

their hopeful hum

waving sadly

at all the dogs I can’t pet —

rainy late March walk

a cardinal couple

never more than six feet apart

planning this year’s nest

marking time anew —

my mother finishes

every book I’ve loaned her