last year’s nests —

only visible

until the leaves come

blurring the spot

where the sun hits first  —

green beginnings

our daffodils bloom

while I’m still rooting around

for my garden gloves

this wind’s instructions —

we take our winter coats out

for a final spin

Easter eggs —

the beautiful sink swirl

of dye when we’re done

scent of onion grass

and the light of your smile —

first truly warm day

morning bird choir

trying to sound as if

they never left

we walk the path

pushing turtles off their logs

with just our presence

this crow, then that —

their slow morning battle

for the last word

buds encased in ice —

for just a moment the world

seems to spin backwards

dimmed to shades of grey

without his commentary —

basketball season

(We miss you, Grampy.)

melting as it fell

still falling in my mind  —

one last snowflake

spring sky

opening up some space

for kites

after the storm

trails become tributaries —

we walk anyway


(HT Barbara Chepaitis)

mid-March rain —

breaks in the clouds

filling with song

crosstown errand —

geese honking in traffic

as I take my bike

red-winged blackbird

longing to be known

for its song

how quickly

flowers raise their heads again

after the storm

splitting the day

into before and after —

red flash of cardinal

so confident!

this robin, piping along

with no sun in sight

nose down, tail up

a fox! crossing the field

speed-reading the night

awake with a start

from a dream about you —

spring comes rushing in

making room

for the names of birds

while forgetting stars

at last she begins

to forget everything

she has lost

spring’s first ladybug

walking gingerly as if

unsure of the earth

frost and ice

the grass crunching underfoot

and stlll the birds sing

icy wind —

we forget and forget

how cold it can be

puddles and mud

where this morning’s snow fell —

I try to remember

dormant azaleas

the perfect hiding spot —

then a whir of wings!

heavy overhead

at the low point of the line —

this turkey vulture

morning half moon —

your top button

almost undone