Spring

Under The Maple Tree

/ Korin Thomas / Leave a comment

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Fountain pool’s light and water
under maple branch and leaf
tulip yellow curling petals
near the pathway greens of spring.

I will fill the fountain basin
when the tulip fades away
wait for spring to come in splendor
underneath the spreading maple tree.

Another one will fill the fountain
watch the tulip raise its head
sit in stillness by the pathway
as the spring wind stirs the maple leaves.

Portland, Oregon – April 6, 2016
Photo is my own, taken this date.

Sadly, the falling branches of our ponderosa pine sheared off half of the maple during an ice storm, December 2016.  These rest did not then survive.

Cold Spring Wind

/ Korin Thomas / Leave a comment

Listening to Finlandia in the cold early spring
as an indecisive wind wonders where to go
whether to slash at the high tops of cedars
or to ruffle the feathers of birds hopping through the yard.
It has forgotten, apparently, its place –
to bring winter snow or spring rain?
It wanders about, as if seeking help
assistance from unseen galactic and geologic forces.
It threatens reluctantly,
unlike boastful November winds, full of storm and fury
Knowing full well they can bring what they portend.
these poor spring winds – cold, skittish –
threaten the buds on branches baring themselves,
unafraid to be touched by that breath.
It stings at insolent daffodils, smiling, waving gaily
at the toothless assault waged on them.

Ah, but here comes the rain again, slanting.

Not so toothless yet, I see.

Portland, Oregon – March 12, 2016

Inspiration from The Kalevala,  or “Poems of the Kaleva District”, Compiled by Elias Lonnrot.  The Kalevala is the national folk epic of Finland.