Turtles, Birches & Orioles

April 30 - May 4 week 3/72

the sun has warmed enough to coax

a musk turtle to bask on a half-submerged log

for its first sunbath as marsh marigolds look on

then, a lilting song not heard for months

floats through the air and newly emerged

birch catkins sway to the joyous melody

as a flash of brilliant orange catches my eye