Whisper Of Spring

On some days in early spring the whisper of life is not heard above the howl of wind through still bare branches of waking trees. A warm embrace under sunny blue skies one day turns into a gray freezing flurried rebuff the next.

With it’s fits and starts spring makes doubters of us all.

The woods do not yet invite. A stark barren seemingly lifeless landscape is now revealed by the absent blanket of snow.

Against what feels like our better judgment we dress for the unexpected and journey into the woods. If we walk slowly and pause, look closely and listen we can discover in the season of expectation and disappointment small signs and voices of our larger being.

At a distance all is quiet.
But here and there a Snow Trillium break through last year’s leaf litter.
The Downy’s world is always open for business.
A bee takes advantage of the Hepatica’s flower
A Carolina Wren gets organized for the day.
Skunk Cabbage that first emerged through the frozen ground of February, begins to leaf out.
In wooded vernal pools Spring Peepers heard quietly in the distance deafen as one gets close.
For a short moment in time the tiny Harbinger of Spring welcomes the coming season.
A male Red-winged Blackbird unambiguously announces the season.

Nature seldom gives graciously to plant, animal, or us. It offers just enough. In early spring that just enough often leaves us with mistaken discontent wishing for more.

Thanks for stopping by.

8 Comments on “Whisper Of Spring

  1. Beautifully, gently, insightfully written, Bob. You have the wisdom of a seasoned outdoorsman. Thanks for sharing.

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