• Published on

    the ducklings

    Picture

    Duckling family, feline-led,
    Shuffling down a gentle trail;
    Purpose-drawn by cat ahead,
    Trust and instinct to regale.

    Never mind the different types;
    Feathery ones both dark and light
    And the furry cat with stripes
    Trek together, curious sight.

    Motley band, now thin then bunched,
    Living stream through grass and hedge,
    Makes its way on travels launched,
    Pilgrimage to water's edge.

    Under watchful eye of cat,
    Now the ducklings sail and play.
    Free to dive, explore—and yet,
    Near the cat they always stay.

    ​

  • Published on

    The Builder

    Picture

    ​A gentle ripple spreading wider
    Belies the beaver's power;
    A floating head no less deceptive
    Than tip of berg much lower.
     
    You may not see the stoutish body
    Nor glimpse the tail so flattened;
    Submerged they move with slightest hinting
    At ponding works emboldened.

    The pond established owes its being
    To person small but awesome:
    The beaver cleaver—mighty builder,
    With industry most fulsome.

  • Published on

    the aspens

    Picture

    ​Aspen temple, hall of mysteries,
    Hidden deep in forest high,
    Ever share your calm and beauty,
    Filtered down to hikers nigh.

    Golden light through leaves now yellow
    Shifting walls approximate.
    Trunks uplifting point to heaven,
    Natural columns bearing weight.

    Limestone white these structures rising,
    Barks expressing purity.
    Sequin-like the leaves do whisper;
    Secrets given silently.

    Joists reside beneath the surface,
    Joints and junctions, like a roof.
    Upside-down this glorious building, 
    Oneness there—a living proof.

  • Published on

    Virginia creeper

    Picture


    Virginia Creeper, genius creature,
    Painting walls with endless brush;
    The verdant hues in spring and summer
    Crimson turn in Autumn's rush.

    The fences graced with natural bunting
    Beam their thanks beneath the red;
    Tall pines alike are decorated;
    Christmas trees alive instead.

    All peaks are scaled, no slope too daunting,
    Steepness met like cheering light!
    Self-engineered with pads adhesive,
    Super-plant, it conquers height.

  • Published on

    NATURE

    Picture


    The day has cooled and twilight calls,
    A gentle breeze its bell.
    It beckons us to look afar;
    It's “showtime,” it doth tell.

    Step quick aside from indoor cares,
    ​Though screens do much avail.
    A cinema unmatched awaits…
    It's showtime on the trail.

    Take nature's walk, forsaking talk,
    Contrasting hues to view.
    Hear sounds of birds and streams and trees,
    Within a movie true.

    The set extends with endless life,
    A panorama grand.
    The rustling leaves crescendos bring
    To dialog began.

    The answering song from creek below, 
    Where waters kiss, caress,
    And wash the rocks and boulders clean,
    Is drama at its best.  

    Then even when some time has passed
    And night like curtain falls,
    The stage itself remains alive;
    A play anew evolves.

  • Published on

    butterfly

    Picture

    Butterfly on fingertip,
    Landed here, a heavenly gift;
    Paper-thin its wings of light,
    Painted magic giving lift.

    Breath suspended in response,
    Heart to brim with joy aglow,
    I this moment transport feel,
    ​Realm of glory so to know.

    All too soon, the miracle ended,
    Colors slicing through the air.
    Left behind a sense of wonder,
    Spirit lifted, joy aware.