Sunday, February 27, 2011

It Was a Slightly Misty, February Evening...

It was a slightly misty, February evening.
One of those murky times you might know,
When things in the woods seem to happen...
Warning: Watch the activity out in the snow!

There was a light that was brightly burning.
Was it a beacon or navigational key?
What shall we do - shall we decide to be turning,
or shall we keep forging? What might we see?



Aha! It is Leaf Woman! She's definitely not a mirage.
She complacently stood, not glancing our way...
We'd walked past the neighbor's, around their garage.
But look! Does it seem she's got something to say?


There was a slight movement, my heart- yes, it leapt
The birds in the bushes were watching...
We sneaked 'round the bush, as closer we crept.
We saw food - to the birds - she was offering.

Now, this is the odd one. What can I say here?
I followed my footprints, while trudging back home,
Thinking of Leaf Woman and her satisfied birds,
When I spotted a fellow, in my yard, all alone.

"Glad to meet you," said he, as he stood there quite still.
"I came out with Leaf Woman to help feed your birds.
I brought my own feeder and an extra bird-perch.
Do you mind if I stay?" (and I? I searched for the words!)

To be quite honest, he seemed harmless enough.
Drawing closer, I looked at his head.
Good-looking food for my birds, I did think.
"Of course you may say, and thank you," I said.

And you? What's your theory? What would you do?
Would you invite them to stay for awhile?
If they offered to feed the birds in YOUR yard?
Would you let them... and offer a smile?

Shady? Maybe. ;-)
Happy Monday.
(Poetry and photos written and taken by Shady Gardener, Yardisgreen.blogspot.com)

21 comments:

Chloe m said...

It was a pleasure to read your poetry and see your leaf woman. Very creative!
I remember making snow "bunnies" and caterpillars with my kids when we had scads of snow a few years ago. We haven't had enough to build anything yet this year.

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Rosey, I substituted a different photo of Leaf Woman... one taken by my neighbor. ;-) This is the first time I've had a chance to make something like this all Winter! lol

Randy Emmitt said...

Shady,

I can not see the snow right now. It was 81 here today, like being in the Keys in NC. Saw our first butterfly of the year today too!

Shady Gardener said...

Randy! I'm just going to enjoy the Spring weather and growth at your site for awhile. Although Spring is just 'round the corner here. ;-)

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I love your snow visitors! I love their faces. I would let them stay too. Our snow was too frozen by the time we got outside to make anything out of it.

troutbirder said...

Yes I would definitely invite them. Truth to tell I need all the help I can get for my bird feeding operation. You see yesterday morning, I counted eleven hungry squirrels eating their fill on and around those feeders!

joey said...

So clever ... I especially love Leaf Woman!

Anonymous said...

Yes, I'd let them stay but only until Mr. Sun came out and told them to pack up their wares and head north. :)

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Catherine, I'm sure you and your family would (make and) enjoy snow visitors!!

Shady Gardener said...

troutbirder, Do you know what I did recently? I sprinkled HOT cayenne pepper on the snow and all around the bird seed. (I've read you can sprinkle it IN the birdseed.) Squirrels have a "fine" sense of smell and it deters them! ;-) Try it!

Shady Gardener said...

Thanks, Joey. ;-)

Grace, ha! (If Mr. Sun would decide to not only come, but warm us up for Spring... I'd go that route, too!) :-)

Ali said...

My goodness now that was quite fabulous! Oh that snow is really appealing right now, it is steaming tropical jungle weather here today. I was thinking how lovely it must be to be feeding the birds during winter there, it must really help them along.

In that photo of leaf woman she looks decidedly cocky!

Unknown said...

This made me laugh out loud and immediately feel better about the far-too-much-snow we have (and another storm tonight). Thanks so much for this, Shady. We will make it through winter, somehow...

Darla said...

Cute post...I'd rather have them return next winter and get on with spring right now.

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Ali, Thanks for your comments! Yes, when there's much snow cover, the birds definitely need the help. You'd like to see the numbers of them!

Hi Jodi, You've made my day! :-) And you're right about making it through. We do every year, but it's always about now that we get a bit excited for Spring's arrival. (YOU have a longer wait than we, however... so just hang in!)

Hi Darla, I know what you mean. I haven't taken a tour around, but some people around here have spotted some growth!

Rose said...

What a fun poem, Shady! And what a magical way to spend a winter's evening. I can't believe with all the snow we had this winter I never built a snowman--maybe I needed a Leaf Woman, too, to bring more birds to my yard last weekend:)

VW said...

What beautiful snowpeople! My son made a new snowman this week, but it's nothing too fancy. Love the leaves decorating the woman.

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Rose, Thanks! Not only was it fun, Leaf Woman had more purpose than just feeding the birds. She's outside one of my neighbor/friend's windows. She's been ailing for quite awhile and is restricted to being home a lot... thought LW would perk up her spirits. :-)

Hi VW! The leaves were mostly unavoidable, as they were under the snow! ha. However, I did strategically arrange a few. ;-)

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I love your clever poetry complete with illustrations! I'm glad your neighbor lady gets to see the snow bird feeders. How cool!

I hope most of that snow is melted by now.

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Sue, Yes. Our snow is nearly all melted - my snowman is just a little lump. ha.

EM said...

Beautiful Poetry... just loved it..