mississippi river valley

[forestwhisperer]

for Sarah, who is my bluff-sister,

These days
the river cloaks herself
in deep blue storm clouds,
backlit by golden sunshine,
offering up
great belly-laughs of thunder.

The valley awakens,
remembering her winter dreams,
weaving them into
swelling buds
and rising streams.

Across deep mist,
backwater islands host
brash silver maples
unfurling their crimson flowers
despite threats of snow.

The scent of stiring soil
hints at the secret ceremonies
of earthworms and fungi
as they prepare for spring's banquet.

All the bluff people
await the arrival
of the first robin...
dozens arrive suddenly
with egg-fat bellies
to join the rising chorus
of early songbirds,
and soon enough,
spring peepers!