Sharing an Epiphany

This morning the trees were snow covered, while the bushes were coated in frost or rime ice. Every once in awhile, a burst of dropping snow clusters loosens a micro-snowfall. All seems a long way from the buds of spring. That’s why I’m gleeful about the eruptions of green stems from the bulb garden [a Christmas present from the Better Half] on the bookcase in front of a downstairs window. You can see the progression in these pictures.

bulb garden 12/31/22

Photo by J. Harrington

bulb garden 1/2/23

Photo by J. Harrington

bulb garden 1/6/23

Photo by J. Harrington

The pileated woodpecker is back, still ignoring the suet feeder, while perching on the balusters of the deck railing and feeding from the “squirrel-buster” feeder. The downy and hairy woodpeckers seem quite pleased to have the bigger bird leave the suet to them. Meanwhile, the Better Half noted the pileated walking on the deck and pecking at the walkout glass (reflection?) or the frame. We took a picture of the bird’s wingprint in the snow that we’ll post some day soon.

After tomorrow, we’ll return to more seasonal temperatures and may even see a couple of above-freezing days in the next week or so. The year seems off to a halfway decent start if you’re not a Republican or a Californian or a Southerner.

January 6

By Vicki Hearne

We must stop bragging. There are limits

For us to the cold and the twelfth night

 

Marks them all. Just off the coast of Maine

The lobster boats pass, dragging their nets.

 

Capsize once in a while, in water

Like that you die, that’s all, that water

 

Isn’t even frozen. Not even

Frozen, and that’s as cold as it gets.

 

The hearts of birds beat voraciously

So they keep warm, so if you put out

 

A feeder, keep it full of the seeds

Their hearts feed on, then it is only

 

When their food runs out that you find them

Inexpressibly taut in hollows,

 

And that’s as cold as it ever gets.

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