Spring snow melts quickly
sunlight brings cardinals out
—winter monastics—
Photo by Jocelyn Anderson, Creative Commons
My response to this week’s haiku challenge
http://naturalistweekly.com/2023/01/20/micro-season-the-pheasant-first-calls/
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THE WOUND THAT HEALS 
Beautifully penned Mary Jo. Love the last line.
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Thank you, Goff. I appreciate your visit and lovely comment!
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Pleasure My Friend. Great write. Loved the imagery. Happy Smiles Day.
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A lovely poem. That is a very good close up of that Cardinal taken by Jocelyn Anderson.
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It really is a wonderful photo. She captured an almost reluctant subject! 🙂
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Yes, I think that Cardinal was reluctant to have his photo taken. He looks a little mean.
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The last line “monastics” captures the essence of this season for me. Winter has always been a sacred and reflective time. I am so pleased that we are following the 72 seasons. Today, we enter the season: “The Giant Butterbur Flowers.” I had never heard of this plant before so I went to Google and found this:
“giant butterbur. P. japonicus is a substantial plant, producing huge suborbicular leaves to 90cm across, reaching 150cm in height, in summer. Flowers are cream to white, borne in February on stout erect stems to 30cm.”
We have them here, Mary Jo!!! I’m heading out to see if I can find some.
Always, always,always a joy to stop by your place.
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Oh, Rebecca, I do hope you found some! I can’t even imagine a flower here in Wisconsin outdoors in February. I looked it up too, thank you, and seems it would almost get lost among other green foliage. But you are an adventurous detective. The flowers are unassuming and deserve your acknowledgment. 🙂
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I am on the hunt, Mary Jo. I’m certain that I have seen this plant in the Japanese garden at Park & Tilford Gardens. When I arrived at the gate to the garden, it was locked. The rain was coming down in buckets which is an excellent reminder that spring is around the corner.
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Well, keep me posted! I wish we would have a real winter, so spring was something to anticipate. I’m just not ready, but I’m happy that you are. 🙂
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The fleeting nature of spring snow and the return of color, in stillness. Wonderful, my dear Mary Jo!
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It’s been so drab and gloomy here this winter with no snow, I’d be delighted to see their flash of color. The next time the sun shines and it’s warm enough to venture outdoors, I might get lucky and find one singing. 🙂
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Oh, I hope you do!!!!!
💗😘
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Thank you for your kind wishes, Marina! 🙂
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💗
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Beautiful Mary Jo! 🧡🤍
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Wonderful poem. We don’t have cardinals out here. At least the red feathered type.
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You are so kind, Tim. Thank you! You have plenty of other bountiful and colorful birds there in the bosque, and I do so appreciate your photos of them.
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I find the idea of cardinals as winter monastics very appealing. Your haiku reminds me that northern New England has many micro-seasons within spring. Spring does not come to us easily–but when it does, oh, when it does!
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These micro-seasons are quite an inspiration, and they give voice to all the nuances of a season. As Rebecca says, we become monastic during these days and consider things “sacred and reflective.”
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Outstanding, Mary Jo — including your brilliantly phrased two-word last line!
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I appreciate your kind comment, Dave!
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Hi Mary Jo, Thanks again for contributing your work to this discussion on the seasons! And as your other commentators said, the haiku is perfect!
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It’s my pleasure, Mark. Truly!
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Mary Jo,
What an awesome haiku–great juxtaposition! Love the last line as January is a great month for contemplation (or hibernation) Great photo, too.
~nan
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Thank you, Nan! I enjoyed your haiku, with its vivid imagery, as well.
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Thanks, Mary Jo. Nice of you to say.
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We have cardinals living in the little strip of woods behind our house. The males’ brilliant red feathers provide lovely bright spots against the dull landscape. When it snows, the cardinals stand out in stark contrast to all the white. I’m so glad they stay the winter!
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Thank you for visiting and commenting. God’s creation is bountiful and beautiful. I hope your cardinals sing in the sunshine, Nancy!
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Beautiful!!!
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Thank you, Linda!
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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