Premature Harbingers

For the last few evenings I have heard frogs croaking. They leave off once the night air grows too cold for them. I have been hearing waterfowl flying about as well, though I haven't seen any yet. They can't be going north so early in the season. If they do, I'm sure they will be forced to return before long. Winter is not done with us. The frogs will be forced back into the insulating mud, the birds will find their route full of wind-driven sleet. One should never trust winter simply because it has given us a few mild days. Winter loves to drive living things into hiding, and then bury their shelters in snow. But I love to listen to the frogs and the birds. I hope enough of them survive to fill the night with songs once spring really does arrive.


( Sunday Verse )