Swamp Orchestra

The snow has begun to recede off the mountain peaks 

and the valley below begins to sprout its color.

At the base of the mountain, the swamp is just 

beginning to join in the colorful chorus.

The ducks, geese, pheasant, and deer are too shy to show their faces,

but in the sea of feathery flags,

the quail invite me to an open house of their nest.

They add rhythm to the symphony

delighting me with the bobbing of their heads as they sing. 

With their aria finished, they show me

to the front row seat of the cattail performance.

One-by-one 

and sometimes two-by-two,

the cattails begin to shed their winter coats.

It is the quiet movement of the symphony.

 Songbirds all throughout the swamp join the chorus

and take home a new lining for their nest 

as the finale crescendos in the blue Spring air.

A forest of thistles wave in the joy of warmer days

waiting until they are covered with their own purple coats.

The red-winged black bird has a balcony seat

humming along with the rest of the Swamp Orchestra.

Don't leave too early...

you just might miss the next movement.

The mountains and the hills 

shall break before you in singing,

and all the trees of the field 

shall clap their hands.

Is. 55:12