February 1st-9th, 2014

February 1st, 2014

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The old deserted dairy farm sits quietly~basking in last light

behind it a bare cottonwood holds a nest way up high

epic in size~we've often admired it on our way to town

tonight we stop on our way home~pull over~curious

I jump out ~camera in hand~ready for action

hoping to get a good shot before we lose light

focusing the lens to maximum zoom~click~click

back in the  truck he asks~eyes shining bright~elated

"Did you see him fly in and land, did you?" 

Focused on my camera display I missed the landing

the nest well off the road and high~so high

the small display shows only the nest aloft

arriving back home~download complete

we meet the architect face to face at last

Bald Eagle settles for the night

***

February 2nd, 2014
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Against a pale blue sky
first almond blossoms unfold
ballerinas in delicate tutus
dance in a cold north wind
as if trying to stay warm
setting sun casts a rosy glow
across the wintry barren stage
~
Did they unfurl too soon
tempted by unseasonal warmth
hoping for spring ~eager to emerge
this week winter returns once more
freezing nights ahead~maybe snow
delicate yet strong~they'll survive
offering their sweetness to the bees

***

February 3rd, 2014
~
MM
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Finally~Mt.Lassen wears a winter coat

February 4th, 2014
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Alien landscapes shimmer beneath the surface of the creek
aquatic worlds~seemingly uninhabitated ~nothing stirs
green meadows and mountain tops wait for warmer days
when once again finned and froggy denizens will populate
this silent green world~filling it with sound and movement
frogs will sing of love well into the night~dating and mating
silver bellies will flash under the sun~schools of minnows
delighting us with agile dances~twirling in the swift current
we know balmy days are ahead~but for now it's rain we need
the creek lies quiet~eager to receive blessings from above
sorely needed to help this small universe survive and thrive
green cradle of life is ready~but will the drought break in time
searching the sky for answers~anxious for that moist miracle
clouds are gathering~obscuring the blue~dare we hope???

February 5th, 2014
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Fiery skies~ promise of the storm to come?

***

February 6th, 2014
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As we pass~ looking to the massive nest
Bald Eagles tumble through the sky~aerial ballet
courting~playing~readying the nursery

February 7th, 2014
~
A day well spend~securing their bond
they sit side by side~content~grooming
the nest~perched high above the silent old dairy
massive in scale~even from a distance
what joy it is to behold this pairing
camera allowing us a peek into their lives
mundane trips to town~enriched by their presence

February 8th, 2014
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SWS Trio
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Gathering together~riding out the storm
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Beach trip off~rain consolation price
~
Stormy weather ushers in Sixth decade

February 9th, 2014
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Lovely gift graces window~searching for sun
eager to create rainbows~yet thwarted by the rain
shining regardless~brightening this gray day
refracting precious light~glimmering with promise
holding rainbows~deep within it's crystal heart