Nature's Peevish Nature

Yesterday, sunglasses and
shirtsleeves. Today, jackets
and gloves. A stainless steel
cover has been clamped down
hard, over this springtime sky.
Snow flurries are busying the
atmosphere, wind braying in the
treetops. A Pileated woodpecker
rises, its shrill cry piercing
this transformed landscape.

Snow fallen overnight, crept
in on padded feet, to astonish
us with its pristine white wash,
is melting, rushing the slopes
of the ravine, flooding the creek,
bubbling hastily downstream.
Crows darken the sky in a
pattern of wings flapping above
swaying tree tops, into the forest.

A temporary weather setback
in spring's itinerary. Coltsfoot
hide their bright yellow faces,
awaiting the sun's return. Apple
blossom buds bate their unveiling.
Honeysuckle and gooseberry bushes
await release. Trilliums, unheeding
of the cold, wave crimson flags.

Wild ginger begins its early
presence, where wild strawberry,
spring violets, raspberry and
blackberry canes, and thimble
berries too, find their comfortable
presence. Earth's gifts to the
animals that Nature so amiably
nurtures, in between her tumultuous
bouts of peevish hysteria.