By Joan McNerney
Spring Equinox
This is when we search for
color to transform cold grey.
Rainfall begins its magic
high lighting sky blue.
We see stacks of luminous clouds
as plants pop out emerald buds
and forsythia busts open with
sparkling yellow stalks.
Trees dressed up in chic green
boogie through noon breezes.
Aromatic lilac bushes cluster
in soft bunches. Just today a
breath of warmth brought alive
pink crepe myrtle branches.
Summer Solstice
Trees outline the
horizon in green lace.
Beneath boughs float
galaxies of blue bugs.
Listen to swish of
branches as cicada
swell and swarm.
Hiding under shadow
beating their wings,
hissing their mating calls.
Evening is coming…
the dawn of darkness.
We are suspended now
between light and shade.
Clouds rushing over heaven.
Sun drops from sky.
The air is fragrant with
sweet blooming jasmine
as star after star
sets nighttime on fire.
Fall Equinox
Morning light reveals
silhouettes of branches
against a dove grey sky.
Wearing layers of red, orange,
yellow…trees begin dancing,
sashaying in the wind.
Now it’s time to pick gardens of
bright vegetables. Let’s cook
pots of soup, yeasty breads.
Children come from school
jumping in piles of foliage
shouting with delight.
Countless shades of leaves,
shapes of leaves spreading
over a lingering sunset.
Flying carpets of sugar maple
foliage unfurl across our roads
as frost draws closer.
Amazing how many stars
fit inside my windowpane
when the moon is new.
Winter Solstice
Hurry, short days are here,
too much to do.
Get ready, find gloves,
hats, scarves, sweaters.
Stopping to see the
shape of a snowflake.
Coming home to luxuriate
in dim light listening
to heat hissing and finding
warmth from hot teas.
Bundled in bed comforted by
mounds of blankets, books.
Finally succumbing to
our northern goddess,
whose black nights are long
and silent as evergreens.
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