12.23.24

Hello Gentle Readers. This morning in Southeast Nebraska is unseasonably warm. The frosty gray sky carries a hint of a breeze. The quiet is welcome after last week's gale. A red house finch perches in the birch. His wings at rest make visible a vibrant strip of red on his back. He turns his head side to side, almost as if he was looking for someone or something. At the moment, he is not interested in the seed feeder.

My light December reading has included mysteries with characters walking in winter gardens so I looked closely at my humble garden. I enjoy seeing the structures of plants that aren't as visible in late Spring and throughout the Summer. This poem, a little late because poems take the time they take, includes some of my thoughts. The spacing between lines isn't what I prefer but it was the best I could do with Blogger. I wish you all a winter holiday week filled with peace, love, and light. 

Winter Garden *

In the space between branches

winter sky wraps around the garden,

elegance unavailable to summer.

Cone flower sets seed for Spring.

Cold creeps into old limbs.

Trees harden, mend their wounds.

A flicker of blue jay appears

in the linden. Then that shawl

of beauty, the female cardinal.

In the space between feathers,

with sturdy stitches across shoulders,

she seeks shelter.

May she find it. Shalom.

May all find safe haven.

Shalom, Shalom, Shalom. 

*Copyright 2024, Jane A. Wolfe     

Our less is more tree with lights, handmade German Stars, and a little robin at the top.