snow

When I was leery of the onset of winter

I had forgotten that white

is the loveliest of backdrops.

portal of light

Slight warmth causes drips

drips create spectacular sculpture

sculpture presents portal for light

light instigates admiration

admiration demands praise!

chick-a-dee-dee-dee

With the sub-zero temperatures

and snow covered ground

our bird feeders are a-whirr with activity.

woodpecker

The "Tweep-tweep" of the woodpecker sends me grabbing for my camera and tripod.

He is friendly enough that he doesn't fly off when he sees me.

Perhaps he senses that posing is necessary for being fed at this home.

first snow

skies have greyed

holly berries brightened....

snow pals

trees

Mere months ago they stood

clad in youthful gowns of pink.

Changed into frocks of green

hiding blemishes and signs of wear.

Buffeted by test and time

they dropped now shabby garments

and today stand naked

exposing all,

waiting for merciful mantles of white

to fall from above.

Sometimes we need to be reminded of how full of blemish we are, hearts that become petty, minds that become selfish. We drop the guise of beauty, we drop the pretense of productivity, we let go the notion of self sufficiency. We stand, naked, before our maker and wait for redemption.