spring's leafing

the budding twigs

are still leafless

but thick;

strong and delicate

this hedge,

underneath

a brittle skin

grow fleshy sinews,

woven together

into thousands

of small fingers

creation needs no mouth—

just enough surface to absorb

cold moisture in the air,

nutrients of the earth

a bird rests

in the boxwood,

and nature’s hospitable

to whatever flies her way

with speechless wisdom,

feckless but not feeble or futile

the song thrush sits still,

making herself at home

in the bush,

freckled feathers

catch the eye,

vibrant with subtle color,

richer than a gold leaf icon—

this life in spring’s leafing

………………………

spring’s leafing

by troy cady