December 22 - December 26 Week 49/72
a green wreath brightened with sprigs
of freshly cut winterberry adds
a welcome circle of color as days
hanging on the end of a long pendulum
begin their gradual swing back
to the possibilities of a new growing season
until then, I revel in the stunning beauty of purple carrots
seasoned with the sweetness of frost-filled nights
which have also coaxed the ice back into the lake
framing a beaver whose quiet munching
breaks the hushed stillness of Christmas Eve
I absolutely love that comment on the sound of the beaver munching!!! It has been glassy ice up here, and all the dazzling red and green and yellow "Alley Cat" dried food I tossed out the French doors for the ravens has brought immense joy of "black and white." Yesterday I noticed the stripe of red on the wind of a red-wing blackbird. First time! The goldfinches are now all brown. I finally understand why so many cardinals show up on Christmas cards!